Head of Payroll

Lead Global Payroll Transformation for one of the UK's leading technology businesses. Trustmarque Ultima brings together two of the UK's most respected technology organisations, creating a powerhouse of expertise across cloud, digital transformation, managed services, AI, data and cyber security. As our business continues to grow and evolve following our merger, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Group Payroll to lead the transformation of our global payroll function.

This is far more than a traditional payroll leadership role. You'll have the opportunity to design, implement and embed a best-in-class global payroll operation, introducing new systems, standardising processes and creating the governance and controls that will support a growing international business. This role offers an excellent work-life balance, working across five days per week on a reduced-hours contract of 30 hours per week, providing flexibility whilst maintaining a key leadership position within the business.

If you enjoy building, improving and making a genuine impact, this is an opportunity to shape the future of payroll across our Group.

The Role

Reporting into senior Finance leadership, you'll take ownership of payroll operations across multiple international territories including the UK, US, Australia, Singapore and South Africa. Working within a lean team, you'll combine strategic leadership with a hands-on approach, leading the implementation of a new global payroll platform while ensuring the accurate and compliant delivery of payroll across every region.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the implementation and optimisation of a new global payroll system
• Standardising payroll processes across multiple countries
• Owning payroll governance, controls and compliance
• Managing relationships with international payroll providers
• Driving payroll accuracy, automation and continuous improvement
• Ensuring seamless payroll delivery during system transitions and future growth
• Supporting and developing a Payroll Administrator within a collaborative team environment

About You

We're looking for someone who has successfully led payroll transformation within a complex international organisation. You’ll bring:

• Extensive experience managing multi-country payroll
• A proven track record delivering payroll system implementations or large transformation programmes
• Strong experience with cloud-based payroll and HRIS platforms such as Rippling, Workday or HiBob
• Excellent knowledge of payroll governance, controls, reconciliations and compliance
• Experience managing outsourced payroll providers across multiple jurisdictions
• The confidence to operate strategically whilst remaining hands-on when required
• Experience within a post-merger environment or global payroll transformation programme would be highly advantageous.

Why Trustmarque Ultima?

This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to influence the future of a newly combined organisation. You’ll join a business investing heavily in technology, people and transformation, where your expertise will directly shape how payroll is delivered across the Group. At Trustmarque Ultima, our culture is built around three core values:

• Team – We believe the best outcomes come from collaboration and supporting one another.
• Excellence – We continually strive to deliver exceptional results for our customers and each other.
• Empowerment – We trust our people, encourage innovation and give individuals the freedom to make a real impact.