At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll and benefits for 1,400 employees while driving process improvements.
- Company: Well-established professional services organisation with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Up to £100,000 salary, discretionary bonus, excellent benefits, and hybrid work model.
- Other info: Join a supportive team eager for direction and development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile leadership role with strategic transformation opportunities.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in payroll and benefits, strong UK legislation knowledge, and leadership skills.
Interim Associate Director, Payroll & Benefits
12 mnth FTC with the potential of a permanent opportunity afterwards
Up to £100,000 + Discretionary Bonus + Excellent Benefits
Canary Wharf, London - 4 days in the office, 1 day from home
Oakleaf Partnership are partnering with a highly regarded and well-established professional services organisation to recruit an interim Associate Director, Payroll & Benefits on a 12 month FTC. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-profile leadership role with genuine scope to shape the future of payroll and benefits within a complex and evolving business.
What the role is:
You will take overall responsibility for payroll, benefits and pensions for approximately 1,400 employees across multiple UK entities. Leading a team of six, you will ensure the smooth and compliant delivery of several monthly payrolls covering both salaried and shift-based employees. Alongside business-as-usual leadership, you will review and optimise Workday, strengthen controls and reporting, assess the current operating model and lead key projects, including the potential implementation of a new benefits platform. This is a highly visible role that partners closely with senior stakeholders across Finance, HR and the wider business.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the Payroll and Benefits function, managing a team of six
- Oversee the accurate and timely processing of multiple monthly payrolls
- Ensure compliance across payroll, pensions and benefits
- Drive optimisation of Workday and payroll-related systems
- Identify and deliver process improvements and transformation initiatives
- Evaluate and implement a benefits platform
- Support annual bonus, LTIP and salary review processes
- Produce payroll reporting, including gender and ethnicity pay gap data
- Partner closely with HR and Finance to deliver a best-in-class service
Skills and Experience:
- Significant experience leading payroll and benefits within a complex organisation
- Strong technical expertise in UK payroll legislation, pensions and compliance
- Proven experience delivering payroll transformation and process improvement
- Advanced Workday knowledge and systems optimisation experience
- A supportive, resilient and collaborative leadership style
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Strong Excel and analytical skills
- Experience implementing a benefits platform would be advantageous
Why join this organisation?
This is a business with a strong reputation, substantial investment and a clear commitment to modernising its people and finance infrastructure. Payroll is increasingly recognised as a strategic function, and this role offers the opportunity to make a real impact. You will inherit a technically strong and dedicated team that is eager for leadership, direction and development. The business is open to fresh ideas and willing to invest in systems, technology and process improvements to create a best-in-class payroll and benefits function. For someone who enjoys combining operational leadership with strategic transformation, this role offers the autonomy, visibility and support needed to deliver meaningful change.
Payroll & Benefits Associate Director in Bexley employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Join a highly regarded professional services organisation in Canary Wharf, London, where you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team and shape the future of payroll and benefits for approximately 1,400 employees. With a strong commitment to modernising its infrastructure, the company offers excellent benefits, a collaborative work culture, and significant opportunities for personal and professional growth, making it an ideal employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Benefits Associate Director in Bexley
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at companies you’re interested in. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informal chats with professionals in payroll and benefits roles. This is your chance to learn more about the field and make a great impression. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the industry – a big plus for any employer!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to talk about your experience with payroll systems like Workday and any transformation projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to the team, so have some examples up your sleeve!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Benefits Associate Director in Bexley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience in payroll and benefits, and don’t forget to showcase your Workday expertise!
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. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and transform payroll functions.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves partnering with senior stakeholders, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in previous roles. We want to see your communication skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions, and compliance. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated complex payroll issues or implemented process improvements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach, especially how you manage and develop a team. Think of examples that highlight your supportive and collaborative style, as well as how you've driven transformation initiatives in previous roles.
✨Master the Tech Talk
Since this role involves optimising Workday and other payroll systems, be prepared to discuss your technical expertise. Share specific instances where you've improved system functionality or led a successful implementation of new technology.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This position requires strong stakeholder management skills. Prepare to discuss how you've partnered with HR and Finance in the past. Think of examples where your communication skills helped bridge gaps and foster collaboration across departments.
