Interim Payroll Manager in London

Interim Payroll Manager in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Catalyst Partners

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead payroll management across multiple countries and oversee UK benefits administration.
  • Company: Global organisation with a diverse international presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on leadership experience, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a complex payroll landscape while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and team leadership in a multi-country setting.
  • Other info: Immediate start required; office-based in East London 3–4 days a week.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: East London (office-based 3–4 days per week)

Contract: Interim, 3–6 months

Our client is a global organisation with a complex international footprint, operating across multiple European and international jurisdictions. Due to an interim requirement within the HR function, they are seeking an experienced Interim Payroll Manager to provide hands‑on leadership and operational stability across a diverse payroll landscape.

This role sits within the HR department and carries responsibility for multiple international payrolls alongside full ownership of UK benefits administration. The successful candidate will manage a small payroll team, ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery, and act as a senior point of expertise during this interim period. The role is office‑based in East London for 3–4 days per week and requires someone who can start immediately.

Key Responsibilities
  • Take full responsibility for the end‑to‑end management of payrolls across various international jurisdictions plus three UK payrolls.
  • Lead, support and manage the Payroll Officer and Payroll Administrator, ensuring all payroll processing is delivered accurately and on time.
  • Oversee all UK benefit schemes, including SAYE, private medical insurance, permanent health insurance, corporate gym membership, childcare and cycle‑to‑work schemes.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for payroll‑related queries from HR, Finance and external providers.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant local legislation, tax and reporting requirements across all jurisdictions.
  • Identify and resolve payroll issues efficiently, maintaining strong controls and documentation throughout.
Candidate Profile
  • Proven experience in a Payroll Manager or Senior Payroll role within a complex, multi‑country environment.
  • Strong working knowledge of UK payroll and benefits administration, with exposure to international payrolls highly desirable.
  • Experience managing and developing payroll team members in a hands‑on capacity.
  • Comfortable operating in an interim, delivery‑focused role with the ability to hit the ground running.
  • Strong attention to detail, clear communication skills and the confidence to work with senior stakeholders.
  • Immediately available and able to commit to an on‑site presence in East London 3–4 days per week.

Interim Payroll Manager in London employer: Catalyst Partners

As a global organisation with a diverse international presence, this company offers an exceptional work environment for the Interim Payroll Manager role in East London. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance and corporate gym memberships. With a focus on operational stability and hands-on leadership, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic HR function while working closely with a dedicated payroll team.
Catalyst Partners

Contact Detail:

Catalyst Partners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Payroll Manager in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and HR sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for interim roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't even advertised yet!

✨Tip Number 2

Get your interview game on point! Research common payroll manager interview questions and practice your responses. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your expertise in managing complex payroll systems.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your skills with a portfolio! If you've got examples of successful payroll projects or improvements you've implemented, gather them together. This can really help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let's get you that interim role!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Payroll Manager in London

Payroll Management
International Payroll Processing
UK Benefits Administration
Team Leadership
Compliance with Local Legislation
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management
Operational Stability
Time Management
Interim Role Adaptability
Documentation Control

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Interim Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing payrolls across multiple jurisdictions and any relevant UK benefits administration. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

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 interim role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since you'll be managing a small payroll team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've supported and developed team members in previous roles. We’re keen on seeing how you can lead us through this interim period!

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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Catalyst Partners

✨Know Your Payroll Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK payroll and benefits administration, as well as any international payroll processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in managing complex payroll systems.

✨Show Leadership Skills

Since this role involves managing a small payroll team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've supported and developed team members in previous roles, and highlight any successful projects where you led a team to achieve results.

✨Understand Compliance Requirements

Familiarise yourself with the relevant local legislation and tax requirements for payroll across different jurisdictions. During the interview, be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you would approach it in this position.

✨Communicate Clearly

Strong communication skills are key, especially when dealing with senior stakeholders and external providers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and think about how you can convey complex payroll issues in a straightforward manner during the interview.

Interim Payroll Manager in London
Catalyst Partners
Location: London

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