Payroll Manager

Role: Payroll Manager (12 month Fixed-term Contract) Location: Leeds (Office based) Salary - £60,000 – £65,000

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll Manager to join a fast-paced and evolving organisation on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role will play a key part in shaping and developing the payroll function, making it ideal for someone who enjoys driving change, improving processes, and building efficient payroll operations. Working closely with Finance, HR, and key stakeholders across the business, you will take ownership of the payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and enhanced controls.

Key responsibilities

Managing the end-to-end payroll function, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on time.

Reviewing and improving existing payroll processes, controls, and procedures.

Leading initiatives to establish and develop payroll best practices across the organisation.

Supporting the setup, optimisation, and ongoing development of payroll systems and workflows.

Working closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure data integrity and process efficiency.

Managing relationships with external payroll providers and relevant stakeholders.

Ensuring compliance with all payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pensions, and statutory obligations.

Producing payroll-related reporting and analysis for senior management.

Identifying opportunities for automation and process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce risk.

Acting as the payroll subject matter expert across the business.

Key requirements

Significant payroll management experience within a medium to large organisation.

Proven experience setting up, restructuring, or transforming payroll functions.

Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, taxation, pensions, and compliance requirements.

Experience implementing new processes, controls, and operational improvements.

Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Experience working in fast-paced, high-volume environments.

Payroll qualifications (CIPP or equivalent) would be advantageous but are not essential.

If you feel like this opportunity matches your skillset then please apply and contact me on -