UK Payroll Renewal Manager

We're entering one of the most exciting and significant periods of change for UK Payroll.

As we embark on a major transformation programme to replace our existing payroll application, we have a fantastic opportunity for a motivated, talented and forward-thinking individual to lead delivery of the transformation project.

This is more than an opportunity to lead a system implementation. It's a chance to play a meaningful role in transforming how payroll is delivered to thousands of employees, helping to shape new processes, influence solutions and build a more modern, efficient and future-ready payroll service.

You'll be part of a collaborative team leading delivery of a high-profile project, gaining valuable experience, developing new skills and making a tangible impact on the future of UK Payroll.

It's a temporary project position for a fixed period of 18 months. 

•    Experience of supervising, coaching, or providing day-to-day leadership to team members, project resources or cross-functional workstreams.
•    Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, dependencies, and tight deadlines.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
•    Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyse, reconcile and interpret complex data.
•    Strong logical and process-orientated mindset.
•    Strong control mindset with the ability to identify and manage financial, operational and compliance risks.
•    Ability to review and challenge requirements, system designs, testing outcomes, and proposed solutions.
•    Experience of working effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners or suppliers.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate confidently at all levels of the organisation.
•    Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to challenge, influence and escalate where appropriate.
•    Ability to work autonomously, make informed decisions and take accountability for delivery.
•    Ability to maintain accuracy, judgement and effective control while working under significant time pressure.
•    Knowledge of UK payroll processes, statutory requirements, and payroll controls.
•    Experience with enterprise Payroll/HR systems including SAP/Global View
•    Knowledge of Hourly Blue Book and Salary Handbook provisions would be advantageous.

Additional Information:

The Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favourable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability

This position is based in Dunton and it is expected the successful candidate will be able to attend the Dunton office for typically 4 days a week and remain flexible on the days they are required to attend the office according to business requirements.

As part of our pre-employment checks process, successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check. This will be conducted in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and applied only to unspent convictions.

The Supervisor will provide leadership and direction to the Business Development team, ensuring changes are effectively scoped, controlled, tested and implemented while maintaining payroll accuracy, compliance, and operational stability.
The role will act as a key interface between Payroll, HR, Finance, IT, third-party system integrators, and other internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Delivery
•    Lead, prioritise and coordinate team activities across payroll transformation and business-as-usual change. 
•    Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching and support, ensuring clear ownership and delivery expectations. 
•    Review team outputs, develop capability and act as an escalation point for complex issues and risks. 

Payroll Transformation
•    Lead Payroll activities supporting implementation of the new payroll system. 
•    Manage requirements with internal stakeholders and third-party system integrators. 
•    Review and challenge system designs to ensure payroll, control, statutory and end-user requirements are met. 
•    Develop strong system knowledge to support effective decision-making and delivery. 
Change Governance and Control
•    Lead payroll changes through requirements, design, testing, approval, and deployment. 
•    Review and approve key project documentation and ensure appropriate governance and controls. 
•    Assess risks, establish mitigation actions and support go/no-go decisions. 
•    Escalate significant risks, issues, and control concerns appropriately. 

Testing and Quality Assurance
•    Lead and coordinate Payroll testing and User Acceptance Testing. 
•    Ensure UAT provides appropriate coverage of payroll requirements and controls. 
•    Review testing evidence and oversee defect identification, prioritisation, and resolution. 
•    Assess significant defects and their potential payroll, financial, employee and compliance impact. 
Project and Change Management
•    Coordinate project plans, priorities, resources, milestones, and dependencies across multiple change initiatives. 
•    Monitor progress, identify risks and drive issues through to resolution. 
•    Ensure accurate project documentation and provide clear status reporting to management and stakeholders. 

Stakeholder and Supplier Management
•    Build strong relationships across Payroll, HR, Finance, IT, and external partners. 
•    Represent Payroll in project, design, and governance forums. 
•    Communicate complex payroll and technical requirements clearly to different audiences. 
•    Manage expectations and constructively challenge suppliers and project teams where required. 

Process Change, Deployment and Training
•    Lead payroll process changes and identify opportunities for simplification, standardisation, and automation. 
•    Ensure changes maintain appropriate payroll and financial controls. 
•    Coordinate end-user engagement, deployment readiness, training, and supporting documentation. 
•    Oversee post-implementation support and lessons learned.