At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage payroll operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: Large, complex organisation in London with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, potential for contract extension, and dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior stakeholders and develop your team.
- Why this job: Join a leadership role that drives payroll transformation and process improvement.
- Qualifications: Significant payroll management experience and strong compliance knowledge required.
Location: London / Hybrid – 1 day a week onsite
Contract: end Date February 2027 – possible extension beyond this
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Head of Payroll to join a large and complex organisation in London on a hybrid basis. This is a senior payroll leadership role with responsibility for the overall accuracy, compliance and delivery of UK and overseas payroll, alongside leading a team and driving continuous improvement across the payroll function.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and manage the payroll team, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery
- Oversee monthly payroll, gross-to-net sign-off, HMRC/statutory submissions and year-end processes
- Manage pension auto-enrolment, payroll deductions, reconciliations and third-party payments
- Ensure robust payroll controls, procedures, audit compliance and exception reporting
- Drive process improvement, efficiency and payroll transformation
- Work closely with HR, Finance, senior stakeholders, auditors and external providers
- Manage complex payroll issues and ensure a high-quality, customer-focused service
- Lead and support change across payroll systems, processes and ways of working
About you
- Significant experience managing complex, high-volume payroll operations
- Strong UK payroll, HMRC, pensions and statutory compliance knowledge
- Experience leading and developing payroll teams
- Proven experience delivering payroll process improvement and change
- Strong reconciliation, controls and audit experience
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the confidence to influence and challenge senior stakeholders
- Experience working across multiple HR/payroll systems
- A calm, solutions-focused approach and the ability to perform under pressure
- CIPP Foundation Degree and Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt
This is an excellent opportunity for a Head of Payroll looking for a challenging leadership position within a large and complex organisation. Interested? Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Head of Payroll in London employer: SOLOS Consultants Ltd
Solos Consultants Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values flexibility and collaboration, allowing you to balance remote work with office engagement in Coalville. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for long-term contracts and professional development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the ICT sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll in London
✨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 SOLOS Consultants Ltd!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 SOLOS Consultants Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll in London
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 SOLOS Consultants Ltd. 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 SOLOS Consultants Ltd 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 SOLOS Consultants Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to SOLOS Consultants Ltd'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 SOLOS Consultants Ltd
✨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 SOLOS Consultants Ltd.
✨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 SOLOS Consultants Ltd 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 SOLOS Consultants Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
