Payroll Manager

A leading global consultancy is seeking a Payroll Manager for a 12-month fixed-term contract based in London. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a highly respected organisation renowned for tackling complex challenges and delivering lasting value to clients, employees, and communities. The role offers the chance to play a pivotal part in both UK payroll management and EMEA-wide payroll transformation initiatives, working closely with international teams to streamline processes and drive operational excellence. You will benefit from a supportive hybrid working model that values flexibility and work-life integration, as well as a culture that actively promotes inclusivity, authenticity, and professional growth. If you are passionate about optimising payroll operations and thrive in environments where your expertise can make a tangible impact, this position provides the platform to elevate your career while contributing to meaningful change. * Join a globally recognised consultancy on a 12-month fixed-term contract, focusing on both UK payroll management and EMEA payroll transformation projects. * Experience true flexibility with a hybrid working model that supports your work-life balance, combining remote and in-person collaboration. * Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, fosters authenticity, and encourages continuous professional development through impactful work.

What You'll Do:

As Payroll Manager, you will be entrusted with end-to-end responsibility for UK payroll operations while also spearheading transformative projects across EMEA. Your day-to-day activities will involve meticulous oversight of monthly payroll data processing—from onboarding new hires to managing statutory payments—ensuring accuracy at every stage. You will serve as the go-to expert for all payroll queries within the UK business unit while collaborating seamlessly with global colleagues to maintain alignment on best practices. In addition to operational duties, you will lead strategic initiatives designed to optimise processes regionally; this includes driving automation projects, supporting system migrations or upgrades, consolidating vendors where appropriate, and developing robust performance metrics. Your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders in People Operations, Finance, Legal, and external providers will be crucial in delivering seamless service. By balancing hands-on delivery with forward-thinking improvements, you will help shape an efficient and scalable payroll function that supports organisational goals.

* Oversee the collection and documentation of all monthly payroll input data for the UK operation, ensuring every amendment—such as new starters, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, benefits, overtime, unpaid leave, and company maternity pay—is accurately processed.

* Act as the primary point of contact for all payroll-related queries within the UK organisation while providing support for EMEA-focused payroll issues as they arise.

* Manage statutory calculations including Statutory Sick Pay, Statutory Maternity Pay, and Statutory Paternity Pay with precision and compliance.

* Collaborate closely with the Global Payroll team based in the US to ensure timely and accurate completion of payroll cycles by running pre-payroll checks and resolving anomalies.

* Support employees with all payroll queries and partner with the Benefits Manager to address pay-related benefits questions efficiently.

* Ensure full compliance with HMRC reporting requirements by managing submissions and maintaining up-to-date records.

* Assist in establishing new payroll systems and processes across other EMEA offices as part of ongoing expansion or transformation efforts.

* Lead initiatives aimed at optimising and standardising payroll processes throughout EMEA by identifying opportunities for automation, system enhancements, and vendor consolidation.

* Support system implementations, upgrades, and integrations between payroll platforms, HRIS solutions, and finance systems to improve efficiency.

* Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), and other metrics to track payroll performance across regions.

What You’ll Bring:

Your proven track record as a Payroll Manager equips you with deep technical knowledge of complex systems like ADP or Oracle alongside practical experience navigating UK-specific regulations such as PAYE and NIC. You bring an analytical mindset supported by strong academic credentials in Maths and English—enabling you to interpret data accurately while maintaining rigorous attention to detail. Project management expertise allows you to oversee implementations or migrations smoothly even when coordinating across multiple teams or geographies. Advanced Excel skills mean you can manipulate large volumes of data efficiently without sacrificing accuracy. Your interpersonal strengths shine through in your ability to communicate clearly at all organisational levels—building trust quickly whether addressing senior leaders or supporting colleagues through process changes. Discretion is second nature when dealing with confidential matters; your reliability makes you a valued partner within HR, Finance, Legal departments as well as external vendors. Above all else, your enthusiasm for continuous improvement drives you not only to deliver operational excellence but also contribute strategically by identifying opportunities for optimisation.

* Demonstrated experience managing complex payroll systems such as ADP or Oracle within a professional services environment is essential for success in this role.

* Comprehensive understanding of PAYE and NIC legislation ensures you can navigate regulatory requirements confidently.

* Familiarity with EMEA payrolls—particularly German processes—is advantageous but not mandatory; willingness to learn regional nuances is valued.

* Proven project management skills are required, especially relating to payroll implementations or system migrations involving multiple stakeholders.

* Strong academic background including qualifications in Maths and English underpins your analytical approach to problem-solving.

* Advanced Excel proficiency enables you to handle large datasets efficiently while maintaining high standards of accuracy.

* Consistent delivery of high-quality outputs with exceptional attention to detail sets you apart as a dependable team member.

* Ability to prioritise tasks effectively under pressure ensures deadlines are met without compromising quality or compliance.

* Excellent interpersonal communication skills allow you to build credibility quickly at all levels—including senior management—and foster collaborative relationships.

* Discretion when handling sensitive information demonstrates your commitment to confidentiality and trustworthiness.

What Sets this Company Apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every employee’s voice is heard and valued. Diversity is celebrated not just as a policy but as an integral part of daily operations—creating space for authenticity at all levels. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements through a hybrid model that blends remote autonomy with collaborative office-based interactions; this approach supports both productivity and personal wellbeing. The company invests heavily in market-leading benefits tailored to individual needs—including comprehensive health coverage prioritising physical and emotional wellness, generous time-off policies designed for recharging when needed most, plus financial planning resources that support long-term security. Professional development is encouraged through access to training opportunities that empower staff members at every stage of their careers. Above all else, the organisation’s core values centre around respect, equity, accountability—and making a positive impact on clients’ businesses as well as wider communities. By joining this team-oriented workplace you become part of something bigger: a network dedicated not only to operational excellence but also meaningful social contribution.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates