Head of Payroll in Cardiff, Wales

The Head of Payroll will lead and oversee payroll operations across all divisions. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery, harmonises payroll processes and dates across divisions, and prepares the organisation for the successful implementation of a new HR and payroll system launching in 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement a unified payroll strategy across divisions.
  • Act as the payroll lead for the HR & payroll system transformation project (go-live 2026).
  • Provide expert advice on payroll risks, compliance, and optimisation.
• Operational Management
  • Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for multiple companies with varying payroll dates - with plan to harmonise.
  • Ensure payroll compliance with UK employment law, HMRC regulations, pensions auto-enrolment, and other relevant statutory requirements.
  • Oversee pensions - including reporting, contributions, and enrolment requirements.
  • Manage and mentor the payroll team, ensuring workload balance and professional development.
  • Implement robust controls and audit processes to improve accuracy and prevent errors.
  • Liaise with Finance in the completion of payroll journals, reconciliations, and delivery of other payroll management information.
• Systems & Transformation
  • Lead payroll input into the HR & payroll system implementation project (2026), including requirements gathering, testing, and transition planning.
  • Drive process automation and digitalisation to reduce manual intervention.
  • Ensure payroll data integrity and security during system migration.
  • Implement plan to harmonise payroll cycles, dates, and processes to reduce complexity and improve efficiency.
  • Lead the project to document and improve payroll processes.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Act as the primary payroll contact for divisional leaders, HR and Finance.
  • Communicate payroll changes clearly to staff, ensuring transparency and trust.
  • Build strong relationships with external providers (HMRC, pension administrators, benefits providers).
  • Improve customer service standards for the payroll function.

Key Deliverables

• Harmonised payroll calendar across divisions by agreed milestone date.
• Successful transition to new HR/payroll system in 2026 with minimal disruption.
• 100% compliance with statutory obligations.
• Improve payroll accuracy and employee satisfaction scores.
• Development of the Payroll team.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience leading payroll operations across high volume and multi-company environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pensions, and benefits.
• Experience in major payroll projects (for example, payroll harmonisation, systems migration, post M&A integration etc).
• Track record of managing and developing small payroll teams.
• Familiarity with HRIS/payroll system implementation projects (desirable: experience with large-scale system rollouts).
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Behaviours & Competencies

• Leadership: Inspires confidence, sets clear direction, and develops team capability.
• Resilience: Manages multiple priorities and deadlines calmly.
• Integrity: Ensures compliance and accuracy, builds trust with employees and stakeholders.
• Change Orientation: Embraces transformation, drives continuous improvement.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across divisions and functions.