Head of Payroll

Head of Payroll/ CIPP/ Payroll Integration Lead/ Subject Matter Expert/ Hybrid Working / Leading Regional Business Forge Talent have partnered with a nationally leading group business as they look to streamline and standardise their Payroll function for a high volume of regional employees on variable and complex pay structures. This is a business-critical role that will take ownership and accountability for payroll strategy, systems, compliance, and continuous improvement across a multi-site service business. This position will also take the lead in optimising the HR administrative function to ensure seamless HR operations, data integrity, and compliance across all operations. An ideal opportunity for an experienced CIPP Qualified Payroll Manager who has overseen payroll integration projects for a multi-site business with a high-volume work force. You will be joining the business at an exciting period of growth in an evolving role and environment that will truly allow you to add value and shape the success of the payroll function and department. Head of Payroll Responsibilities: Lead the payroll and HR admin team to deliver a high-quality, efficient payroll for salaried and hourly paid employees. Be the main point of contact for the outsourced payroll bureau, working collaboratively to ensure a smooth and accurate transfer of multiple payrolls to the new payroll and HR system. Proactively collaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure payroll accuracy and alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements. Oversee payroll integration with time and attendance and finance systems. Oversee the full employee administration lifecycle inclusive of recruitment onboarding, contractual documentation, mobility, transfers, promotions, and offboarding Oversee and standardise payroll and benefits administration across multiple companies, ensuring accurate and timely delivery in collaboration with Finance. Champion continuous improvement of processes to enhance the employee and manager experience in a customer-centric, service-driven environment. Produce accurate and timely HR metrics, dashboards, and analytics to support decision-making and resource planning. Ensure all HR administration activities comply with relevant Payroll and employment legislation and data protection standards, maintaining compliance with statutory obligations (PAYE, NI, pension auto[1]enrolment, holiday pay, etc.) Ensure the accurate calculation and processing of pay, overtime, allowances, shift premiums, and deductions. Oversee P11D, P45, P60, and other statutory reporting and submissions. Oversee and ensure the accuracy of all statutory payments, including SSP, SPP, SMP. Head of Payroll Required Experience: Proven experience leading a multi-site, high-volume payroll function made up of both weekly paid and salaried employees. Experience gained in a larger group business overseeing multiple payrolls and pay structures. CIPP qualifications. Previous oversight of payroll projects or integrations. Subject matter expert in UK payroll legislation, HMRC processes, and pensions. Strong people leadership skills with the ability to roll out new ways of working to a multi-site team. Strong computerised systems exposure. Previous use of Moorepay, is highly advantageous. Advanced Excel skills are essential. Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Effective analytical, reporting and problem-solving skills The ability to take ownership of processes, making business critical decisions as required. A passionate and motivated approach to ensuring best practice and building a high performing team. There will be an initial requirement to travel to regional business sites and so applicants will require a full UK Driving licence and access to a vehicle. Only applicants currently based within a commutable distance of Manchester City Centre will be considered. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity for a qualified Head of Payroll to join a highly successful business as they look to further advance. Please submit your CV for consideration or call Rosie at Forge Talent.