Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the payroll workstream in a major system implementation and ensure smooth transitions.
- Company: Join a large organisation undergoing a significant payroll transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package, including bonuses and healthcare.
- Why this job: Play a key role in building a modern in-house payroll operation.
- Qualifications: Strong UK payroll operations background and experience in system implementations required.
- Other info: Long-term career prospects in an evolving payroll function.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A large organisation is undertaking a significant transformation project as it transitions payroll services back in house. As part of this initiative, a new Payroll Workstream Lead position has been created to take ownership of the payroll element of a major system implementation. This role will play a key part in supporting the transition from an outsourced payroll model to a fully internal function, ensuring a smooth migration and successful rollout of a new payroll platform.
Working as part of a wider transformation programme, you will lead the payroll workstream throughout the system implementation lifecycle. An external implementation partner will manage the technical rollout, while you will act as the internal payroll subject matter expert ensuring operational requirements are met and payroll processes are correctly designed and tested. Following the implementation, this position will remain a core part of the internal payroll function, supporting the ongoing management and optimisation of the payroll system.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the payroll workstream within a large-scale payroll system implementation
- Coordinate timelines and ensure payroll related project milestones are achieved
- Support system design, configuration activities and testing cycles
- Lead payroll focused User Acceptance Testing and ensure outcomes meet operational requirements
- Oversee payroll data preparation including mapping, validation and migration processes
- Coordinate payroll parallel runs to confirm accuracy prior to go live
- Help develop efficient payroll workflows and operational processes
- Ensure statutory compliance across payroll processes including tax, pensions and reporting obligations
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with payroll delivery during the project
- Deliver training and guidance for internal users and payroll stakeholders
- Produce clear documentation covering payroll processes, controls and system usage
Requirements
- Strong background in UK payroll operations with in-depth knowledge of statutory requirements and HMRC regulations
- Previous experience supporting or leading payroll system implementations or major payroll transformation projects
- Experience working with payrolls of a similar scale or within large organisations
- Ability to manage stakeholders across HR, Finance and wider business functions
- Confident coordinating multiple activities within a structured project environment
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to identify issues and resolve complex payroll challenges
- Advanced Excel skills with experience handling payroll data, reconciliation and mapping exercises
- Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Professional approach when handling confidential payroll information
What Is On Offer
- Opportunity to play a leading role in a large-scale payroll transformation programme
- Long term career prospects within an evolving in house payroll function
- Competitive benefits package including bonus, pension, healthcare and retail discounts
This position will suit an experienced payroll professional who enjoys working on transformation projects and wants to play a central role in building a modern in house payroll operation within a large and well-established organisation.
Payroll Implementation Lead in England employer: JGA Recruitment Group | B Corp
Contact Detail:
JGA Recruitment Group | B Corp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Implementation Lead in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and HR sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of payroll systems and statutory requirements. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with payroll transformations and how you tackled challenges. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and tailor your approach to each one. Quality over quantity, folks!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Share any additional thoughts you have about the role or how you can contribute to their payroll transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Implementation Lead in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Implementation Lead role. Highlight your experience with payroll systems and any transformation projects you've been part of. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the responsibilities, like leading payroll implementations or managing stakeholder relationships.
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and advanced Excel capabilities. Mention any relevant tools or methodologies you’ve used in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can handle complex payroll challenges with ease!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at JGA Recruitment Group | B Corp
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your UK payroll operations knowledge, especially around statutory requirements and HMRC regulations. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will show that you're the expert they need for this role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed payroll system implementations or transformation projects in the past. Highlight your ability to coordinate timelines and achieve project milestones, as this is crucial for the Payroll Implementation Lead position.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Since you'll be working closely with an external implementation partner, expect questions about system design and testing cycles. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you would oversee payroll data preparation and ensure accuracy during parallel runs.
✨Demonstrate Your Stakeholder Management
This role requires collaboration across HR, Finance, and other business functions. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively managed stakeholders in previous roles, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed throughout the project.