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- Tasks: Lead and innovate the payroll function in a modern, tech-driven environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking professional services organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced pension, hybrid working, flexible hours, and 25+ days holiday.
- Why this job: Shape a key business function and drive continuous improvement while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Extensive payroll management experience and strong knowledge of legislation and compliance.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Imperial Recruitment is recruiting for an experienced Head of Payroll to join a forward-thinking professional services organisation. This is a newly created role offering the opportunity to shape and develop the payroll function, influence strategy, and drive continuous improvement across the business.
This position is ideal for a senior payroll professional who is passionate about leadership, innovation, and delivering an exceptional payroll service within a modern, technology-driven environment.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Hybrid working
- Flexible start times
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days with service
- Supportive and collaborative working culture
- Opportunity to shape and grow a key business function
- Career development and long-term progression
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, and develop the payroll function to deliver an outstanding service
- Inspire, coach, and develop a high-performing payroll team
- Develop and implement a payroll strategy that supports organisational goals
- Drive efficiencies and improvements through the use of modern payroll systems and digital tools
- Ensure full compliance with payroll legislation, governance, and internal controls
- Act as a trusted advisor on payroll matters to internal stakeholders
- Oversee BACS processes and manage pension scheme complexities
- Identify and implement best practice across payroll operations
- Support change initiatives, including system and process improvements
- Maintain accurate documentation and reporting standards
Essential Requirements
- Extensive experience managing high-volume payroll within a bureau or practice environment
- Proven experience in a senior payroll leadership or management role
- Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance, and governance
- Strategic mindset with the ability to deliver operational excellence
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- High level of digital literacy and confidence using payroll systems and technology
- Strong understanding of BACS processes and pension scheme complexities
Desirable Experience
- Experience implementing new payroll systems or major process changes
- Experience using Brain Payroll or similar systems
Imperial Recruitment is an equal opportunities recruiter. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Head of Payroll in Darlington employer: Imperial Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Imperial Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll in Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll industry and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its payroll practices. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for innovation and how you can shape their payroll function.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your extensive experience aligns with their needs. Highlight your leadership skills and your strategic mindset to show you’re the right fit for driving improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Payroll role. Highlight your experience in managing high-volume payroll and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you hit that apply button, take a good look at the job description. Ensure you meet the essential requirements and understand the key responsibilities. This will help you craft a more focused application that stands out.
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your strategic mindset and how you've driven improvements in previous roles. We love candidates who can think ahead and implement effective payroll strategies!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape our payroll function!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll legislation and compliance knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex payroll issues in the past, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference, as this role is all about managing and motivating a high-performing payroll team.
✨Be Ready for Strategy Talk
Think about how you would approach developing a payroll strategy that aligns with organisational goals. Be prepared to share your ideas on driving efficiencies and improvements using modern payroll systems and digital tools.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be acting as a trusted advisor, practice how you would communicate with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've managed relationships and communicated complex payroll matters clearly in the past.
