At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll implementations from start to finish, ensuring smooth onboarding for customers.
- Company: Join Sona, a cutting-edge AI-native workforce management startup making waves in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, share options, and top-notch health insurance.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent growth opportunities and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping the future of payroll solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK payroll systems and a keen eye for detail are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
3 billion people across the world work in frontline jobs. Yet, despite rising costs and staff shortages, frontline organisations are still left to choose between paper, Excel, and WhatsApp, or decade-old workforce management solutions to take care of the most important part of their businesses - their people. Enter Sona: the next generation of AI-native, frontline workforce management. We’ve built an end-to-end platform covering Scheduling, HR, Payroll, and Communications that gives the largest frontline organisations everything they need to staff more intelligently and empower their teams.
In under 5 years, we've already made a deep impact on the lives of over 100k frontline workers and the operation of their organisations, grown the team to 160+, and secured over $100M in funding from notable VC's, including our Series B led by N47 alongside Felicis, Northzone, and Gradient Ventures (Google). It’s a hugely exciting time to be joining the team as we’re still small enough that you’ll have a significant impact on the company’s growth trajectory and culture, yet large enough to have a great structure, experienced leaders and world-class benefits in place.
About the Role
As a Payroll Implementation Manager at Sona, you'll take end-to-end ownership of onboarding customers onto our payroll platform, from initial discovery and system configuration through to parallel runs, training, and go-live. You'll work hands-on with the software itself, not just alongside it, partnering closely with the wider implementation team, product engineers, and payroll bureau colleagues to get every customer live cleanly. Attention to detail and end-to-end ownership matter more here than in most roles, and you'll need to be comfortable double-checking your own work and speaking up early when something doesn't look right. This role sits within a growing customer function that's still finding its shape. You'll have direct influence over how Sona's payroll implementation process and product evolve, with a level of access to the product team that's unusual for an implementer. It's a startup pace: no bureaucracy, high-caliber colleagues, and fast-moving development, so you’ll need to be comfortable operating without everything being fully defined.
Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end payroll implementations: discovery, system configuration, parallel runs, training, and go-live
- Configure and troubleshoot UK payroll setups, including GL and pensions configuration and RTI processing
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and take ownership of seeing them through
- Partner with Project Managers and Solutions Architects to support the wider implementation journey
- Provide ad hoc on-site customer support for training and launch, alongside remote delivery
- Use AI tools confidently in your day to day work, from reconciliation to communication
Requirements
- Proven, hands-on experience implementing UK payroll systems end-to-end, not just coordinating others who do
- Deep working knowledge of UK payroll legislation and processing
- Genuinely curious, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity - things won't always be fully defined
- High attention to detail and a strong sense of accountability
- Comfortable using AI in everyday tools like spreadsheets, communications, and reconciliation
- Bonus: CIPP (or equivalent) qualification, or working towards one
Benefits
- Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
- London, hybrid - 2 days a week in the office, with occasional travel to customer sites for training and launch support
- Share options
- 35 days annual leave (25 days standard plus 10 flexible public holiday days)
- Extra day of leave for every year of service
- Pension contributions matched up to 5%
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Enhanced parental leave & pay
- Workplace nursery salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual all expenses paid team retreats
- The latest Macbook and equipment budget for your home office
- Professional development budget
- Unlimited free books
Note: this represents a typical benefits package for a UK-based, full-time employee. Exact details may vary based on location and employment type but we try to be as fair as possible to all of our team members. Please ask your contact in the Talent team to clarify the available benefits for you.
Payroll Implementation Manager employer: Sona
Sona is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering hybrid working arrangements and equity options to ensure employees feel valued and invested in the company's success. With generous leave policies and a strong focus on professional development, team members are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact across diverse sectors such as hospitality, retail, and social care from the vibrant city of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Implementation Manager
✨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 Sona!
✨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 Sona.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Implementation Manager
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 Sona. 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 Sona 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 Sona. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sona'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 Sona
✨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 Sona.
✨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 Sona 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 Sona and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
