At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll and benefits for 1,400 employees while driving process improvements.
- Company: Reputable professional services organisation with a commitment to modernisation.
- Benefits: Up to £100,000 salary, discretionary bonus, excellent benefits, and flexible working.
- Other info: Join a supportive team eager for leadership and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile leadership role with strategic transformation opportunities.
- Qualifications: Significant payroll experience, strong UK legislation knowledge, and advanced Workday skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
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 Slough 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. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and substantial investment in modernising systems, this role offers not only competitive compensation but also the chance to make a significant impact within a complex and evolving business environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Benefits Associate Director in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and benefits field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their payroll systems, like Workday, and think about how you can bring value to their team. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their needs!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in payroll transformation and compliance. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident. Remember, first impressions count!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our team. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Benefits Associate Director in Slough
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 optimise payroll processes.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves partnering with senior stakeholders, make sure to highlight your communication and collaboration skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with different teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Know Your Payroll Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions, and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex payroll systems in the past and any transformation initiatives you've led.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a supportive and collaborative leadership approach. Prepare examples that highlight your experience managing teams, especially in high-pressure situations, and how you’ve fostered a positive team environment.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Since this position involves partnering closely with senior stakeholders, think of specific instances where you've successfully managed relationships across departments. Be ready to explain how you communicate effectively with both HR and Finance.
✨Be Ready for Process Improvement Discussions
The company is looking for someone who can drive optimisation and deliver process improvements. Come prepared with ideas on how you would assess and enhance their current operating model, particularly regarding Workday and benefits platforms.
