Payroll Lead

Manchester - Hybrid

£45,000 - £50,000 + annual bonus scheme

We're looking for a proactive and detail-driven Payroll Lead to take ownership of a global payroll operations. Sitting at the heart of finance, compliance, and employee experience, you'll make sure their people get paid accurately, on time, and in line with local regulations - wherever they are in the world. With a growing international footprint and a dynamic, people-first culture, this role is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, collaborative environment and wants to help shape the payroll function for the future.

What You'll Do

• Own the end-to-end payroll process - Deliver seamless monthly payroll cycles for our teams across the UK, Dubai, the US and other regions.
• Coordinate with local providers to ensure accuracy and compliance everywhere we operate.
• Manage tax, pension, and statutory deductions, making sure everything's filed and paid on time.
• Drive global alignment - Build strong relationships with international payroll partners (EU, US, APAC) and maintain oversight of all processes.
• Troubleshoot discrepancies and keep everything running smoothly across borders.
• Champion compliance and accuracy - Stay on top of payroll legislation (HMRC and international equivalents).
• Manage statutory submissions and year-end reporting.
• Support audits with robust, transparent documentation.
• Partner with Finance and HR - Post monthly payroll journals and reconcile accounts across multiple entities.
• Provide insights and forecasts to support budgeting and financial planning.
• Collaborate closely with HR to ensure data flows cleanly between systems.
• Innovate and improve - Keep payroll systems efficient, modern, and fit for growth.
• Identify opportunities for automation and smarter workflows.
• Be the go-to expert** - Lead on payroll queries with clarity and confidence.
• Train and mentor junior team members, sharing best practices and knowledge.
• Support change and growth - Manage payroll through business change - mergers, restructures, or new regions. - Oversee adjustments for promotions, new hires, and leavers.

What You'll Bring

• Solid experience managing end-to-end UK payroll for a mid-sized business.
• Exposure to or experience with international payroll operations.
• Strong technical knowledge of payroll systems (Moorpay, ADP, Workday, Sage, or similar).
• Confidence working with finance data, including journals and reconciliations.
• A keen eye for detail, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills - you build trust and clarity with every interaction.
• A collaborative, solution-oriented mindset.
• CIPP qualification (or working toward it) is a plus.

You'll be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking business in the heart of Manchester - where people, innovation, and growth go hand in hand. We believe payroll isn't just about numbers; it's about people, experience, and trust.

If this sounds like you, then reach out today for further info!