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- Tasks: Lead UK payroll operations and ensure compliance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a global market leader in manufacturing during a critical transformation phase.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, immediate start, and impactful role with clear outcomes.
- Other info: Opportunity for process improvement and working closely with senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact and take ownership of payroll delivery.
- Qualifications: Strong experience with SD Worx and proven track record in payroll management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
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 Slough employer: auricoe
Contact Detail:
auricoe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager (Contract) in Slough
✨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 SD Worx knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've used the system effectively. This will show potential employers that you can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly. This way, you’ll stand out from the crowd and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by hiring managers!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can go a long way. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager (Contract) in Slough
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 solutions. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you've done this in past roles.
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 functionalities 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 challenges you've faced in payroll management and how you resolved them. Highlight your ability to identify issues quickly and implement practical solutions, especially in a transformation phase. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and readiness to tackle problems head-on.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Be ready to discuss your understanding of HMRC, PAYE, NIC, pensions, and statutory requirements. Prepare to explain how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position. This will help build your credibility as a go-to expert for payroll across Finance and HR.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've built relationships with senior stakeholders in the past. Be prepared to share strategies for effective communication and collaboration. This role requires strong stakeholder engagement, so showing that you can build credibility quickly will set you apart from other candidates.