Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll systems optimisation and enhance HR processes for a growing organisation.
- Company: Join a dynamic company in Greater Manchester focused on modernising HR and payroll.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000, hybrid working, and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving payroll operations and shaping future HR systems.
- Qualifications: Strong UK payroll knowledge and experience with HR systems configuration required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Your new company
You will be joining a growing organisation undergoing a period of positive change in its people function. Working 2 days a week from their head office. This is an exciting opportunity to support a business that is modernising its HR and payroll capabilities. You will work closely with a collaborative leadership team who value accuracy, structure and continuous improvement.
Your new role
As the Payroll Systems Lead, you will take ownership of reviewing and strengthening the organisation's outsourced payroll model while optimising key HR systems. You will lead the configuration and clean-up of payroll/HR platforms, improve data flows, enhance reporting structures and ensure all People systems are accurate, compliant and fit for purpose. Alongside this, you will develop clear management information dashboards, improve data integrity, and establish robust governance standards across the colleague lifecycle.
What you will need to succeed
- Strong UK payroll knowledge, including compliance, controls and outsourced provider management
- Proven experience configuring or optimising Payroll/HR systems
- Ability to analyse processes, identify risks and implement structured improvements
- Confident producing MI dashboards, HR metrics and data insights for senior stakeholders
- Strong understanding of GDPR, data governance, audit requirements and payroll legislation
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, IT and external partners
What you will get in return
You will play a key role in shaping the future of people systems and payroll operations, with the autonomy to deliver meaningful improvements. Expect a supportive environment, hybrid working, and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact by embedding better processes, stronger controls and reliable management information.
Payroll / HR Systems Lead - 6 months FTC in Salford employer: Hays Senior Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Senior Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll / HR Systems Lead - 6 months FTC in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR and payroll sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its culture, especially since they’re modernising their HR and payroll capabilities. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their team too. Practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills with a portfolio! If you’ve worked on payroll systems or data governance projects, compile examples of your work. We love seeing tangible proof of your expertise, especially when it comes to improving processes and enhancing reporting structures.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re all about making the process smooth and straightforward, so don’t hesitate to showcase your passion for optimising payroll and HR systems right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll / HR Systems Lead - 6 months FTC in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Payroll / HR Systems Lead role. Highlight your UK payroll knowledge and any experience with HR systems to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity. Share specific examples of how you've improved payroll processes or optimised HR systems in the past – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves producing MI dashboards and data insights, make sure to mention any relevant tools or software you’ve used. We want to see how you can enhance our reporting structures!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Senior Finance
✨Know Your Payroll Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your UK payroll knowledge, especially compliance and controls. Be ready to discuss your experience with outsourced payroll models and how you've optimised them in the past.
✨Showcase Your Systems Savvy
Prepare examples of how you've configured or improved Payroll/HR systems before. Highlight specific tools or platforms you've worked with and any challenges you overcame during those projects.
✨Data is Key
Be prepared to talk about your experience with data integrity and governance. Bring examples of how you've developed management information dashboards and the impact they had on decision-making for senior stakeholders.
✨Communication is Crucial
Since you'll be working cross-functionally, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of scenarios where you've collaborated with HR, Finance, IT, or external partners, and be ready to share how you navigated those relationships.
