Payroll Manager - 12 Month FTC in London

At AlixPartners, we solve the most complex and critical challenges by moving quickly from analysis to action when it really matters; creating value that has a lasting impact on companies, their people, and the communities they serve. By understanding, respecting, and honouring the needs of our employees, clients, and communities, AlixPartners actively promotes an inclusive environment. We strongly believe in the value that diversity brings to our experiences and are committed to the perpetual enhancements of initiatives, policies, and practices. We hold ourselves accountable by providing the space for authenticity, growth, and equity for everyone. AlixPartners has embraced a hybrid work model to provide flexibility and support our employees’ work-life integration.

This role is for an experienced Payroll manager who has expertise in streamlining and implementing new payroll models to join a busy HR team on a 12-month Fixed term Contract, reporting to the Co-Global Head of People Operations. This role will be responsible for providing a full range of payroll and administrative support to the UK operation to ensure an accurate and professional service. The responsibilities include being the key point of contact for all payroll related queries within the UK organisation and liaising closely with our US based Global Payroll team. The role will involve the ongoing evaluation of payroll processes to ensure they are efficient.

Additionally, the role holder will be the EMEA Transformation lead for a Global Payroll optimisation project working with the Global payroll team to streamline payroll processes across EMEA. The role holder will have a solid knowledge of UK payroll and the associated processes and will be used to working in a fast paced and professional environment. A focus on quality and strong communication skills are key as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively alongside members of the HR and Finance teams. Knowledge of other EMEA payrolls, particularly Germany, would be beneficial but not essential.

What you’ll do

• Payroll
  • Responsible for the collection and documenting of all payroll input data on a monthly basis for the UK operation to ensure all amendments and adjustments are made to the payroll. This includes new starters, leavers, salary amendments, bonuses, benefits, overtime, unpaid leave, maternity pay, etc.
  • Assist with EMEA focused payroll queries that may arise.
  • Manage the calculation of all Statutory Sick Pay, Statutory Maternity Pay and Statutory Paternity Pay.
  • Liaise with our Global payroll team to ensure payroll is completed accurately and in line with agreed process and deadlines, including running pre payroll checks.
  • Investigate issues and anomalies.
  • Provide support with all payroll queries and assist with benefits queries as it relates to pay in partnership with the Benefits manager.
  • Management and compliance reporting to HMRC as required.
  • Assist in the setting up of new payroll systems and processes in other EMEA offices.
• Payroll Optimisation and Transformation
  • Lead initiatives to optimise and standardise payroll processes across EMEA, improving efficiency, accuracy, and scalability working closely with the Global Payroll Director.
  • Identify opportunities for automation, system enhancements, and vendor consolidation.
  • Support payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations with HRIS and finance systems.
  • Develop and monitor KPIs, SLAs, and payroll performance metrics across the region.
• Stakeholder & Vendor Management
  • Partner closely with People, Finance, Legal, and external payroll providers to ensure seamless payroll delivery.
  • Manage relationships with payroll vendors, ensuring service quality and value for money.
  • Provide expert guidance to senior stakeholders on payroll matters, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Pension Management
  • Responsible for the administration and Governance of the pension scheme for the UK offices in partnership with the Benefits manager.
  • Manage the ongoing responsibilities of auto enrolment; assist with benefits queries as it relates to pay in partnership with the Benefits manager.
• Ad hoc
  • Responsible for any projects that may arise in relation to your areas of responsibility.
  • Assisting the Global Mobility, Tax and Finance teams with ad hoc projects and process improvements.
  • Proactively ensure that all relevant policies and procedures comply with current legislation and assist with the updating of any policies.

This description is not designed to encompass a comprehensive listing of required activities, duties or responsibilities.

What you’ll need

• Proven experience of payroll systems (ADP, Oracle or similar) and benefits within a professional environment.
• Understanding of PAYE and NIC legislation.
• Experience of EMEA payrolls desirable.
• Project management experience, particularly payroll implementations or system migrations.
• Strong academic qualifications including Maths and English.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Consistently delivers high quality and attention to detail.
• Autonomous with the ability to prioritise, resolve, and escalate issues as required.
• Able to work under pressure to meet challenging deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to quickly establish credibility and respect and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Able to balance operational delivery with strategic improvement initiatives.
• Proactive, self-motivated and able to work on own initiative as well as with a team.
• Strong communication skills – confident at communicating at senior management/PMD level.
• Discreet and able to handle sensitive information in confidence.
• Demonstrates energy and enthusiasm.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willingness to work outside of normal business hours, and in particular as unique projects/needs arise.
• Ability to work full time in an office and remote environment.
• Must become familiar with, and promote and abide by, our Core Values as defined by the AlixPartners’ Code of Conduct and foster an inclusive environment with people at all levels of an organisation.

The firm offers market-leading benefits that provide flexible options to support our employee’s needs including health benefits to help prioritise their physical and emotional well-being, time-off policies to help to recharge and financial/ retirement benefits that offer income protection and support long-term planning. The benefit type and level differ per location.

AlixPartners is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.