At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a weekly payroll for 3,000 employees in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Large operational organisation with a focus on payroll stability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £90,000–£100,000 for a six-month contract.
- Other info: Fully office-based near Twickenham with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of payroll and support a dedicated team in a critical role.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume payroll management and team supervision required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Near Twickenham, fully office-based
Salary: £90,000–£100,000 per annum
About the Client
This is a large, operationally focused organisation employing a substantial workforce across a range of shift-based roles. Payroll is a business-critical function, supporting employees who work varied hours, overtime and changing shift patterns within a fast-moving environment.
The organisation is looking for an experienced payroll professional who can provide stability, support the existing team and ensure the continued delivery of an accurate and reliable weekly payroll service.
About the Job
This six-month fixed-term contract is a hands-on payroll management role with responsibility for a weekly payroll of approximately 3,000 employees. You will manage a small team of three and take day-to-day ownership of payroll delivery, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. The workforce includes a high volume of shift workers, with variable hours, overtime, starters and leavers, making this a detailed and operationally demanding payroll environment. This is not a strategic transformation role. The priority is to provide strong operational leadership, maintain service continuity and support the team in managing a busy and complex weekly payroll.
Duties will include:
- Managing the accurate and timely delivery of a weekly payroll for approximately 3,000 employees
- Leading, supporting and allocating work across a payroll team of three
- Overseeing payroll activity for employees working varied shifts, overtime and variable hours
- Managing a high volume of starters, leavers and payroll amendments
- Ensuring payroll data is complete, accurate and processed within strict weekly deadlines
- Reviewing payroll calculations, exceptions and variances before final submission
- Resolving payroll queries promptly and professionally
- Supporting the team during periods of high workload, absence or operational pressure
- Ensuring statutory payments, deductions and payroll legislation are applied correctly
- Completing payroll reconciliations and maintaining accurate records
- Working closely with HR, Finance and operational managers to resolve payroll issues
- Monitoring data quality and addressing discrepancies before they affect payroll
- Maintaining clear payroll procedures and appropriate controls
- Producing regular payroll reports for internal stakeholders
- Ensuring the payroll function remains reliable, responsive and well organised throughout the assignment
About the Successful Applicant
You will be an experienced payroll professional with a strong background in managing high-volume, weekly payrolls. You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced operational environment where employees work shifts, overtime and variable hours, and where there is a regular flow of starters and leavers. Previous experience of managing or supervising a small payroll team is essential. You will be practical, organised and detail-focused, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and ensure deadlines are consistently met. You will also bring strong payroll legislation knowledge, excellent problem-solving skills and a willingness to remain closely involved in the day-to-day processing and delivery of payroll.
What You Will Receive in Return
You will receive a salary of £90,000–£100,000 per annum on a six-month fixed-term contract. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a significant weekly payroll, support an established team and play a central role in maintaining an essential service within a large and busy organisation. The position is fully office-based near Twickenham.
Interim Payroll Manager in London employer: Wade Macdonald
Wade Macdonald is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Milton Keynes where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to driving meaningful HR initiatives, employees enjoy hybrid working arrangements, significant exposure to senior leadership, and the opportunity to influence the employee experience during a transformative period. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values your contributions and fosters professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Payroll Manager in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Wade Macdonald and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Payroll Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Wade Macdonald. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wade Macdonald
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Wade Macdonald, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Wade Macdonald uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Wade Macdonald.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Wade Macdonald.
