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- Tasks: Lead UK payroll operations and ensure compliance during a critical transformation phase.
- Company: Join a global market-leading manufacturer with a dynamic work culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, immediate start, and a defined contract with tangible outcomes.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive process improvements in a complex payroll environment.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact in a high-stakes role with full ownership of payroll delivery.
- Qualifications: Strong experience with SD Worx payroll systems and proven track record in payroll management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Interim UK Payroll Manager (SD Worx) | 3-5 Month | Contract Hybrid - Central London | Immediate Start
Lead payroll for a global market-leading manufacturer during a critical transformation phase. We’re partnering with a major global manufacturing organisation to appoint a high-calibre Interim UK Payroll Manager for a 3–5 month contract assignment. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you’ll take full ownership of UK payroll operations and play a key role in ensuring stability, compliance, and continuity.
Why this role stands out
- Immediate impact – step into a business-critical function from day one
- Scale & complexity – large, multi-entity UK payroll environment
- Autonomy – full ownership of payroll delivery and stakeholder engagement
- Visibility – work closely with senior Finance & HR leadership
- Defined scope – clear 3–5 month assignment with tangible outcomes
You will take end-to-end ownership of the UK payroll function, ensuring accurate and compliant delivery while stabilising processes and supporting ongoing improvements. This is a hands-on interim role, not oversight only. You’ll be in the detail, solving problems and delivering outcomes.
Key Responsibilities - UK Payroll Manager
- Own and deliver end-to-end UK payroll (high-volume, complex environment)
- Lead payroll processing using SD Worx (essential)
- Ensure full compliance with HMRC, PAYE, NIC, pensions & statutory requirements
- Manage payroll deadlines, reconciliations, and reporting cycles
- Act as the go-to expert for payroll across Finance, HR, and external partners
- Identify issues quickly and implement practical solutions
- Strengthen controls and support audit readiness
- Drive process improvements and efficiency where possible
- Support or lead any ongoing payroll projects / system optimisation
What we’re looking for
- Proven track record as an Interim Payroll Manager / Senior Payroll Lead
- Strong hands-on UK payroll delivery experience
- SD Worx system expertise (this is a must-have)
- Experience in large, complex or multi-entity payroll environments
- Ability to hit the ground running with minimal onboarding
- Available to start immediately or at short notice
- Manufacturing, engineering, or industrial sector background
- Experience in payroll stabilisation or transformation environments
- Exposure to process improvement or system optimisation work
- Delivery-focused and calm under pressure in deadline-driven environments
- Ability to build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders
Location & Contract Details
- Central London (Hybrid – 2 days onsite)
- 3–5 month contract
If you’re an experienced SD Worx Payroll Manager available at short notice and looking for a high-impact interim assignment, we’d like to hear from you.
Payroll Manager (Contract) in London employer: auricoe
Contact Detail:
auricoe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager (Contract) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and finance sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially roles that require SD Worx expertise. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK payroll regulations and SD Worx systems. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly! This way, you can ensure your CV lands right in front of the hiring team. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you're the perfect fit for the Payroll Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager (Contract) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with SD Worx and any relevant payroll management roles. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on experience in payroll and how you can make an immediate impact. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, highlight specific examples where you've identified issues and implemented solutions in payroll processes. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve done this before!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at auricoe
✨Know Your SD Worx Inside Out
Since the role requires strong expertise in SD Worx, make sure you brush up on its functionalities and features. Familiarise yourself with common issues and solutions within the system, as well as any recent updates or changes that could impact payroll processing.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Experience
This position is all about taking ownership of payroll operations. Be ready to share specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully managed high-volume payrolls, tackled compliance challenges, or led process improvements. Concrete stories will help you stand out.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about times when you had to identify payroll issues quickly or implement solutions under pressure. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Since you'll be working closely with senior Finance and HR leadership, prepare to discuss how you've built credibility and engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and ability to manage expectations effectively, as this will be crucial in your new role.