Head of Payroll, UK & Ireland — Transformation Leader in Bury St Edmunds

Head of Payroll, UK & Ireland — Transformation Leader in Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
JD GROUP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a high-volume payroll operation and drive strategy for 25,000+ colleagues.
  • Company: JD Group, a dynamic leader in payroll services across the UK and Ireland.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a focus on innovation.
  • Other info: Join a resilient team dedicated to colleague-focused payroll solutions.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming payroll services and championing automation.
  • Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

JD Group in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Payroll for UK & IRL to lead a high‑volume payroll operation across multiple entities and 25,000+ colleagues. You will drive strategy, governance, and continuous improvement while partnering with senior stakeholders to deliver scalable payroll services.

You will oversee a team, champion automation, and ensure compliance with UK/Irish legislation, pensions, and controls, enabling a resilient, colleague‑focussed payroll function.

Head of Payroll, UK & Ireland — Transformation Leader in Bury St Edmunds employer: JD GROUP

JD Sports Group PLC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, JD provides extensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that team members can thrive in their careers while contributing to the company's success as a leading international retailer. Located in a vibrant industry hub, employees benefit from a culture that values creativity and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

JD GROUP

Contact Details:

JD GROUP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll, UK & Ireland — Transformation Leader in Bury St Edmunds

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 JD GROUP!

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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 JD GROUP.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll, UK & Ireland — Transformation Leader in Bury St Edmunds

Payroll Management
Leadership Skills
Strategic Planning
Governance
Continuous Improvement
Stakeholder Management
Automation

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 JD GROUP. 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 JD GROUP 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 JD GROUP. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to JD GROUP'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 JD GROUP

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 JD GROUP.

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 JD GROUP 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 JD GROUP and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.