Payroll & Systems Manager in London

Job Description

Payroll & Systems Manager

People & Culture | London based Hybrid (will consider remote) 6-month FTC – Immediate start

Payroll is more than payslips. It’s trust, accuracy, and systems that quietly work so people can do their best work.

We’re looking for an experienced Payroll & Systems Manager to take ownership of payroll governance and HR/payroll systems for an organisation of around 350 staff, spanning salaried, hourly, and casual contracts. Payroll is outsourced, but this role is very much hands-on. You’ll be the expert voice in the room, the bridge between People & Culture, Finance, and our payroll provider, and the lead on shaping better, smarter systems for the future.

What you’ll be doing

• Owning the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accuracy, timelines, and full UK statutory compliance
• Acting as the internal payroll specialist, confidently reviewing calculations, deductions, pensions, and statutory payments
• Managing payroll inputs for variable hours and timesheet-based staff
• Building a strong, effective relationship with our outsourced payroll provider and holding service standards high
• Spotting risks, fixing inefficiencies, and reducing manual workarounds through better processes and cleaner data
• Leading the selection and implementation of a new HR and payroll system, from business case to go-live
• Acting as system owner post-implementation, ensuring controls, optimisation, and user confidence
• Producing meaningful payroll and people data reports that support financial planning and decision-making
• Working closely with People Operations, Finance, and managers to make sure changes are processed smoothly and on time

About you

You’re someone who likes things to work properly and isn’t afraid to roll up your sleeves to make that happen.

You’ll bring:

• Strong, practical UK payroll expertise and a forensic eye for detail
• Experience managing payroll across multiple employment types and variable pay
• Confidence working with outsourced payroll providers and challenging when things aren’t right
• A track record of improving payroll or HR systems and documenting clear, resilient processes
• Experience leading or supporting HR/payroll system implementations
• The ability to explain payroll and systems clearly to non-specialists
• A collaborative, calm approach, even when deadlines loom 

Harris Hill and the organisations we work with are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. However, this post is restricted to women applicants due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

You’ll be joining a values-led organisation where people matter, systems should support rather than hinder, and continuous improvement is actively encouraged. This role has real influence, visibility, and the chance to leave things better than you found them.

If you are immediately availabel and care about accuracy, integrity, and building systems that serve people well, please apply online today. I would love to hear from you!