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- Tasks: Lead UK payroll operations and ensure compliance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a global market-leading manufacturer during a critical transformation phase.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, immediate start, and impactful role.
- Other info: Opportunity for process improvement and working closely with senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact and own the payroll function from day one.
- Qualifications: Must have strong experience with SD Worx payroll systems and UK payroll delivery.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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. Crucially, you must have strong experience with SD Worx payroll systems.
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) employer: auricoe
Contact Detail:
auricoe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager (Contract)
✨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 those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of UK payroll regulations and SD Worx systems. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When chatting with potential employers, highlight specific examples of how you've managed payroll processes and improved efficiencies. They want to see that you can hit the ground running from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager (Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience with SD Worx and any relevant achievements in payroll management. We want to see how you can bring immediate impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this interim role. Share specific examples of your hands-on experience in payroll delivery and how you've tackled challenges in complex environments.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to identify issues quickly and implement practical solutions. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running and make a difference from day one!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at auricoe
✨Know Your SD Worx Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SD Worx payroll system knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific features and how you've used them in past roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the system, but that you can leverage it effectively in a high-volume, complex environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've identified issues in payroll processes and implemented practical solutions. This role is all about stability and compliance, so showcasing your ability to tackle challenges head-on will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Experience
Be ready to talk about how you've built credibility with senior stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you've collaborated with Finance and HR teams to ensure smooth payroll operations.
✨Emphasise Your Delivery Focus
This position requires someone who can hit the ground running. Share instances where you've successfully managed tight deadlines and maintained accuracy under pressure. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.