Overview

My client is seeking a strategic Head of Payroll to build and lead a global payroll function within a rapidly scaling tech business. This role offers the opportunity to design and implement payroll systems, lead international operations, and influence senior-level decision-making across Finance and HR.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Strategy & Leadership: Define and execute the global payroll strategy aligned with the company's growth and international expansion.
• Build and lead a high-performing payroll team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Act as the subject matter expert for payroll across the business, advising senior stakeholders on risks, compliance, and operational efficiency.

• Function Setup & Implementation: Lead the setup of the payroll function, including team structure, policies, controls, and governance frameworks.
• Select and implement a fit-for-purpose payroll system (e.g., ADP, Workday, Deel, or similar), ensuring integration with HRIS and finance platforms.
• Develop and document scalable payroll processes and workflows for UK and international entities.
• Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks to monitor payroll performance and compliance.

• Operational Excellence: Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments across multiple countries.
• Manage relationships with external payroll providers, ensuring service quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements including PAYE, NI, pensions, benefits, and international tax obligations.
• Lead payroll audits and ensure readiness for internal and external reviews.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and IT to align payroll operations with compensation, benefits, and regulatory requirements.
• Support reward and compensation planning with payroll insights and feasibility assessments.
• Provide payroll data and analysis to support financial planning, budgeting, and workforce strategy.

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Drive automation and digital transformation within payroll operations.
• Stay ahead of legislative changes and industry trends, proactively adapting processes and systems.
• Champion employee experience by ensuring payroll accuracy, transparency, and responsiveness.

Profile

• Extensive experience in payroll leadership roles, ideally within high-growth or international environments.
• Proven track record of setting up and scaling payroll functions from scratch.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation; international payroll experience is highly desirable.
• Experience implementing payroll systems and managing vendor relationships.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and strong operational execution.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• CIPP qualified or equivalent is a plus.

Job Offer

• Competitive base salary + performance bonus
• Private healthcare and wellness benefits
• Hybrid working model
• Equity options (subject to role level)
• Opportunity to shape a critical function in a high-growth tech business

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled Head of Payroll to join a reputable business services organisation in London. If you\'re ready to take the next step in your career, apply now!