At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team delivering outsourced payroll services and ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Join IRIS, a top UK payroll provider trusted by over 50,000 businesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team that values innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in payroll processing and previous leadership experience required.
- Other info: CIPP qualification preferred but not essential; apply now to make an impact!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Client Payroll Team Lead at IRIS Software Group
1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join IRIS in a leadership role where your payroll knowledge, people skills, and calm approach will make a real impact. We’re looking for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys supporting others, solving problems, and keeping service standards high.
If you’re ready to step into team leadership – or you’ve already led a team and want a fresh challenge – this role gives you the platform, support, and progression to grow.
Why This Role Matters
As our Client Payroll Team Lead, you’ll look after the success of a team of around eight Client Payroll Executives. They manage payrolls for clients across a wide range of industries (excluding Education and Hospitality), and your job is to guide, coach, and support them so every client receives accurate and reliable payroll service.
You won’t manage your own portfolio – your focus is on people, service quality, and keeping everything running smoothly.
This involves monitoring performance, helping with tricky queries, planning workloads, and stepping in when needed to protect service levels.
About the Team You’ll Join
You’ll be part of the Corporate vertical within our Managed Payroll Services division – we manage payrolls for clients across a range of industries (excluding Education and Hospitality). This team sits at the heart of our service delivery, working closely with Implementation, Support, Sales, and Account Management to ensure everything runs smoothly.
You’ll report to a Regional Operations Manager and work alongside other Team Leads to share ideas, solve problems, and create the best possible experience for our clients – and our colleagues.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and support a team of around 8 payroll specialists, making sure they hit deadlines, deliver high‑quality work, and feel supported.
- Handle escalations and challenges, keeping calm under pressure and guiding the team to solutions.
- Coach and develop your people, holding 1:1s, giving feedback, and helping them strengthen their skills.
- Work closely with other teams such as Implementation, Finance, IT, Sales, and Account Management to give clients a smooth, joined‑up experience.
- Plan workloads and monitor service levels, adjusting quickly when things change.
- Help with key operations including onboarding, invoicing, migrations, compliance checks, and maintaining accurate CRM/SharePoint records.
- Encourage a positive team environment, sharing updates clearly, recognising good work, and driving improvements.
- Spot where processes can be better, and help bring those improvements to life.
What We’re Looking For
You’ll shine in this role if you have:
- Strong payroll processing experience – ideally in a bureau, outsourced, or multi‑client environment.
- A natural ability to support and guide others.
- Confidence handling multiple priorities and staying organised.
- Great attention to detail, plus good working knowledge of Excel and other tools.
- Clear, calm, professional communication skills.
- A collaborative, helpful approach with the confidence to escalates when needed.
You don’t need previous formal leadership experience – if you’ve acted as a go‑to person, supported colleagues, or helped train others, you may already be ready for this step.
What You’ll Gain
- A supported move into leadership, with coaching and structured development.
- The chance to influence how payroll services are delivered across our Corporate client base.
- A friendly, inclusive environment where ideas are welcomed.
- A clear career path through the IRIS Career Framework.
- Real impact – you’ll see the difference you make to your team and our customers every day.
Application Process
We understand that exploring a new opportunity within IRIS is a big decision – so we’ve kept the process simple, supportive, and focused on helping you shine.
Here’s what happens once you hit “apply”:
Just upload your CV and tell us why you’re interested in the role.
A short chat with our Talent team plus two quick assessments:
- CCAT (15‑minute timed test).
A competency‑based interview with members of the Managed Payroll Services leadership team.
Ready for the Next Step in Your Payroll Career?
If you enjoy leading by example, supporting others, and keeping service running smoothly, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while helping others succeed.
Apply now and become a key part of our Corporate Payroll leadership team at IRIS.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Accounting/Auditing, Customer Service, and Management
Industries
Software Development
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Client Payroll Team Lead employer: IRIS Software Group
Contact Detail:
IRIS Software Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Payroll Team Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest payroll legislation and software updates. Being knowledgeable about current regulations will not only boost your confidence during discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to staying informed in this ever-evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience by preparing specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about challenges you've faced, how you motivated your team, and the outcomes of your leadership efforts.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the payroll industry, especially those who work at IRIS or similar companies. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would drive a culture of continuous improvement within the team. Think of specific strategies or initiatives you've implemented in previous roles that enhanced operational excellence and client satisfaction.
We think you need these skills to ace Client Payroll Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in payroll processing and team management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and knowledge of UK payroll legislation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for payroll and customer success. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities of the Client Payroll Team Lead role and how you can contribute to IRIS's mission.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your proficiency in Excel and payroll software platforms. Also, mention any relevant qualifications like CIPP, even if they are not essential, as they can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Continuous Improvement: Discuss any initiatives you've led or participated in that drove operational excellence or improved service delivery in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement, which is key for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at IRIS Software Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Client Payroll Team Lead, demonstrating your leadership experience is crucial. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your coaching and development strategies.
✨Know Your Payroll Legislation
Make sure you're up to date with UK payroll legislation, including PAYE and auto-enrolment. Being able to discuss recent changes or challenges in payroll processing will show your expertise and commitment to the field.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Since this role involves ensuring outstanding customer satisfaction, be ready to discuss how you've handled client queries and service issues in previous roles. Highlight any specific instances where you went above and beyond for a client.
✨Prepare for Operational Excellence Questions
Expect questions about how you would drive a culture of continuous improvement within the team. Think of examples where you've implemented processes that improved efficiency or quality in payroll operations.