Interim Payroll & Benefits Specialist in Southampton

Interim Payroll & Benefits Specialist

£Competitive | 4–6 Month Interim Contract | Southampton (3 days per week initially)

The Company

Our client is an established international business with operations across the UK and overseas. They are currently seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join them on an interim basis to ensure a smooth transition during a period of change within the payroll function.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands‑on payroll professional who enjoys improving processes, working autonomously and making a real impact within a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

The Role

Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you will take ownership of the end‑to‑end UK payroll while coordinating outsourced international payrolls across several global locations. This is a hands‑on position requiring someone who can quickly pick up responsibility, ensure payroll accuracy and document robust payroll processes for the future.

This is a key assignment where you'll work closely with Payroll, Finance and People teams to ensure continuity of service whilst developing standard operating procedures from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end‑to‑end UK payroll process, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing.
• Coordinate outsourced payrolls across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, India and the USA.
• Administer employee benefits and share schemes.
• Prepare payroll journals, reconciliations and statutory returns.
• Respond to payroll queries from employees and stakeholders.
• Develop and document payroll processes and standard operating procedures.
• Work with payroll and HR systems including Infinet Cloud, Deel, NetSuite and HiBob.
• Collaborate closely with Finance and People teams to support payroll operations and continuous improvement.

About You

• Proven experience personally managing complex end‑to‑end UK payroll processing.
• Experience working with outsourced international payroll providers.
• Knowledge of one or more payroll/HR systems such as Infinet Cloud, Deel, NetSuite or HiBob.
• CIPP qualification or significant equivalent payroll experience.
• Experience administering employee benefits and share schemes.
• The ability to create and document payroll processes from scratch.
• Excellent attention to detail with a calm, methodical and organised approach.
• The ability to work independently and quickly become productive within a busy environment.

Salary & Location

• 4–6 month interim contract
• Competitive day rate/salary depending on experience
• Southampton
• Hybrid working - You must be able to work three days per week in the Southampton office for the first five weeks. This requirement is non-negotiable due to the handover period.
• Immediate start preferred