At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll system upgrades and process improvements for a major transformation project.
- Company: Established organisation focused on payroll compliance and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, temporary role, and opportunity to lead significant projects.
- Other info: Dynamic role with collaboration across HR, Finance, and IT teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming payroll processes ahead of the 2027 deadline.
- Qualifications: UK payroll expertise and proven experience in system transformations required.
My client are seeking a skilled Payroll Transformation Manager to lead and implement a payroll system upgrade and process improvement.
Our client is a well-established organisation seeking an experienced Payroll Transformation Manager to lead our transition to the UK's mandatory Payrolling of Benefits in Kind (BiKs), taking effect on 6 April 2027. This role is a blend of project management, system implementation, and process re-engineering. You will be responsible for upgrading our payroll software, eliminating retrospective year-end P11D processes, and establishing a seamless, real-time data flow between HR, Finance, and Payroll. Your ultimate goal is to ensure full compliance with HMRC's Real Time Information (RTI) requirements well ahead of the 2027 deadline.
Description
- Project Leadership & System Readiness
- System Upgrades: Partner with our payroll software vendors to manage the implementation of HMRC's updated RTI technical specifications (including the 200+ new data fields).
- Testing & QA: Design, manage, and execute comprehensive parallel payroll runs to stress-test system calculations, notional pay inputs, and Real Time Information (RTI) transmissions.
- Data Migration: Audit and clean historical benefits data (e.g., company car CO2 emissions, medical premiums) to ensure accuracy before migration into the live payroll system.
- Process Re-engineering & Integration
- Workflow Design: Map and overhaul the current HR-to-Payroll data pipeline, replacing manual month-end/year-end processes with automated, real-time data sharing.
- Policy Implementation: Establish and enforce strict mid-month cut-off dates and standard operating procedures for handling mid-year benefit changes (e.g., starters, leavers, pro-rata calculations).
- Vendor Management: Work closely with third-party benefit providers (medical insurance, fleet management) to automate data feeds directly into our payroll environment.
- Financial & Compliance Governance
- Cash Flow Coordination: Collaborate with the Finance team to manage the 2027 "double-payment" cash flow impact (reconciling legacy July 2027 Class 1A NICs alongside new monthly real-time payments).
- HMRC Compliance: Ensure all taxable benefits are correctly categorised, valued, and processed as notional pay in strict compliance with current and upcoming UK tax legislation.
- Change Management & Communication
- Stakeholder Management: Act as the central point of contact and bridge the gap between HR, Finance, IT, and Business Leaders.
- Employee Communications: Create clear, accessible communication strategies and templates to explain changes in monthly take-home pay and tax codes to the wider workforce.
- Internal Training: Train internal HR and Payroll operational teams on the new system mechanics and how to handle employee queries.
Profile Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
Essential
- UK Payroll Expertise: Deep operational knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, RTI, and the mechanics of Benefits in Kind (BiKs).
- Transformation Experience: Proven track record of leading complex payroll system implementations, software upgrades, or large-scale process transformation projects.
- Project Management Skills: Formally trained in project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile, Lean Six Sigma).
- Systems Proficiency: Advanced experience with major enterprise payroll/HR platforms (e.g., Workday, SAP, Sage, CoreHR).
- Communication: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex tax and technical jargon into simple, universal language for non-technical stakeholders.
Desirable
- Professional Qualification: CIPP (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) or equivalent payroll/tax qualification.
- Experience managing payroll changes across a large, diverse workforce with varied benefit schemes.
Job Offer
- Competitive daily rate of £360 to £440.
- Temporary role based in London.
- Chance to lead a significant payroll transformation project.
If you are a results-driven professional with expertise in payroll transformation, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity in London.
Payroll Transformation Manager employer: Michael Page
Our client is a well-established organisation located in London, offering an exciting opportunity for a Payroll Transformation Manager to lead a significant payroll system upgrade. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and compliance. Employees benefit from competitive rates, comprehensive training, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the organisation's payroll processes ahead of the 2027 deadline.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Transformation Manager
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Michael Page and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Transformation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Michael Page. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Michael Page, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Michael Page uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Michael Page.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Michael Page.
