Payroll Manager - UK & Middle East

Location: Manchester, UK (Hybrid Working Available)

Company: GHD

Job Type: Full-time | Permanent

Are you a seasoned payroll professional ready to lead a dynamic team across multiple regions? GHD is seeking a highly experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for the UK and Middle East, based in our Manchester office with flexible hybrid working options.

About The Role

As Payroll Manager, you will lead a team of payroll professionals, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across the UK and Middle East. You’ll be the go-to expert for payroll legislation, tax compliance, and process improvement, while also playing a key role in stakeholder engagement and team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage payroll operations for the UK and Middle East, ensuring compliance with local legislation and internal controls.
• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing, including tax obligations, pension schemes, and salary sacrifice arrangements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support system enhancements (e.g., ADP Global View, HRIS).
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and performance management for the payroll team.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including People teams, Finance, and regional leadership.
• Ensure timely completion of audits, reconciliations, and reporting requirements.

What You’ll Bring

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a shared services or BPO environment, with hands-on use of intermediate to complex ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or BST10.
• Understanding of payroll legislation and compliance requirements across the UK and Middle East, with strong knowledge of end-to-end payroll processes, including upstream and downstream activities.
• Proven expertise in managing payroll cycles using ADP Global View, along with a comprehensive understanding of HRIS platforms.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing payroll teams, delivering projects, and driving process improvement initiatives.
• Experience in handling pension-related payroll activities and salary sacrifice schemes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret payroll data and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly advanced Excel and Word skills.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a finance-related discipline is desirable.

Why GHD?

At GHD, we’re committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing environment. You’ll be part of a global professional services company that values:

• Safety – We prioritize the wellbeing of our people.
• Teamwork – We collaborate to achieve shared goals.
• Respect – We listen and value diverse perspectives.
• Integrity – We act with honesty and professionalism.

Ready to Apply? Join us in shaping the future of payroll at GHD. Apply now to be part of a global team that values innovation, leadership, and excellence.