Client Payroll Team Lead

Client Payroll Team Lead

Full-Time 37800 - 46200 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Iris

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team delivering accurate payroll services to diverse clients.
  • Company: Join IRIS Software Group, a top UK software company with a people-first culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career growth, and a supportive environment.
  • Other info: Great Place to Work® certified with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on payroll services that support millions across the UK.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years payroll experience and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.

About IRIS

IRIS Software Group is one of the UK's largest privately held software companies, trusted by 100,000+ businesses, schools and accountancy firms to keep their operations running. Our software pays 1 in 6 UK employees, supports over 12,000 schools, and is relied on by 91 of the top 100 UK accountancy firms. We're a Great Place to Work® certified employer, recognised for our commitment to well-being, inclusion and development - and we're growing fast.

At IRIS Software Group, we power the businesses behind the UK economy processing payroll for a significant proportion of UK employees and supporting organisations with mission-critical solutions. We are now looking for a Client Payroll Team Lead to join our growing payroll bureau team.

The Role

This is a hands-on leadership role, where you’ll lead a team responsible for delivering accurate, compliant payroll services to a wide portfolio of clients. You’ll play a key role in ensuring exceptional service delivery while developing and motivating your team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, coach and develop a team of payroll professionals to maximise performance.
  • Ensure all payrolls are processed accurately, on time, and in line with SLAs and KPIs.
  • Act as the primary escalation point for payroll queries and client issues.
  • Manage team performance, productivity and development plans.
  • Build strong, trusted relationships with clients, ensuring high satisfaction and retention.
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of payroll legislation and ensure team compliance.
  • Support continuous improvement of payroll processes and service delivery.

About You

  • 5+ years’ payroll experience, including end to end payroll processing.
  • Strong knowledge of PAYE, pensions and payroll legislation.
  • Experience leading or mentoring a team.
  • Strong customer focus with excellent communication skills.
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

Why IRIS?

  • Join one of the UK’s largest privately held software companies supporting millions of users.
  • Work in a collaborative, people first environment recognised as a Great Place to Work.
  • Opportunities for career progression and development.
  • Flexible and remote working options available.
  • Be part of a business that powers critical payroll services across the UK.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

  • Impact: Your work will influence millions globally.
  • Growth: Continuous learning and career development opportunities.
  • Belonging: A culture that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual.

Ready to Apply?

Click Apply - we’re excited to learn about your unique perspective and experience. If you need adjustments during the process, let us know. We’re committed to making this opportunity accessible to everyone.

What to expect from our hiring process

Our process is designed to be fair, transparent and straightforward. Stages vary depending on the role — more senior positions may involve additional steps, and some areas include role-specific assessments such as a technical test or case study — but typically you can expect:

  • Application review — we assess your experience and potential.
  • Initial call — a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role.
  • Skills assessment — tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review.
  • Final interview — meet the team and explore how you'll make an IMPACT at IRIS.

We'll always walk you through the specific stages at the start of the process so you can prepare with confidence. If you need any adjustments or accommodations during the process, let us know, we’re committed to making this experience accessible for everyone.

Client Payroll Team Lead employer: Iris

IRIS Software Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the finance sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work alongside industry experts in a supportive culture. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a healthy work-life balance and the unique advantage of being part of a global organisation that values diversity and inclusion.

Iris

Contact Details:

Iris Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Client Payroll Team Lead

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Iris!

Leverage Your University Connections

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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Iris.

We think you need these skills to ace Client Payroll Team Lead

Payroll Processing
PAYE Knowledge
Pensions Knowledge
Payroll Legislation Compliance
Team Leadership
Coaching and Development
Customer Focus

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Iris. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Iris and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Iris. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Iris's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Iris

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Iris.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at Iris will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Iris and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.