Interim Head of Payroll / Senior Payroll Manager

Location: London
Working pattern: Flexible hybrid working, with 1-2 days per week in the office
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract
Start date: ASAP

The opportunity

We are partnering with a global technology/Media organisation to appoint an Interim Head of Payroll or Senior Payroll Manager for a 12-month fixed-term contract.

This is a high-impact role combining strategic transformation with hands-on payroll leadership. The successful candidate will oversee the organisation's international payroll operations.

You will be the most senior payroll specialist in the business, supported by two existing payroll processors. This position will suit someone comfortable moving between senior stakeholder discussions, vendor negotiations and transformation projects while remaining close to the operational detail of payroll delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee payroll operations across the UK, India, Israel, France, the US, Australia, Singapore and Canada.

• Ensure all payrolls are delivered accurately, efficiently and in line with local requirements.

• Act as the senior point of contact for payroll-related matters across the organisation.

• Lead the transition of payroll activities currently operating under Transitional Service Agreements following a recent carve-out.

• Manage the exit from existing TSA arrangements for relevant payroll components.

• Support the development of a longer-term solution for the US payroll, which currently operates under a reverse TSA.

• Review the existing payroll structure and define the future target operating model.

• Assess the suitability of the current payroll technology and vendor landscape, including ADP.

• Lead vendor negotiations and contract renegotiations to ensure payroll solutions are appropriately scaled and cost-effective.

• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve payroll controls, accuracy and operational efficiency.

• Establish clear processes, responsibilities, governance and service standards across the global payroll function.

• Lead, support and develop two existing payroll processors.

• Build credible relationships with senior stakeholders across HR, Finance and the wider organisation.

• Remain willing and able to become directly involved in operational payroll activities when required.

Candidate profile

The successful candidate will be an experienced payroll leader who combines strategic capability with strong operational expertise.

You will ideally bring:

• Significant experience leading complex, multi-country payroll operations.

• Experience managing payroll transitions, including TSA exits or the establishment of standalone payroll arrangements.

• Strong knowledge of payroll systems and providers, ideally including ADP.

• Experience negotiating and renegotiating contracts with payroll vendors.

• A proven ability to automate processes, strengthen controls and improve operational efficiency.

• Experience working within a smaller or less siloed organisation where senior leaders remain close to delivery.

• The willingness to operate as a hands-on payroll specialist as well as a strategic leader.

• Strong leadership skills and experience managing or developing payroll team members.

• The credibility and confidence to engage with direct and senior stakeholders.

• Excellent judgement, communication and problem-solving skills.

• The ability to work at pace and bring structure and clarity to an evolving environment.

Benefits and working environment

• Flexible hybrid working, with 1-2 days per week in the London office

• A collaborative and flexible working environment

• Private healthcare

• Dental cover

• Life insurance

Why apply?

This is an opportunity to shape the future of a complex global payroll function while ensuring continuity through a significant period of organisational change. The successful candidate will have genuine ownership of the payroll operating model, vendor strategy, automation agenda and team structure, alongside considerable exposure to senior leadership.