Payroll Implementation & Transition Specialist

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Implementation & Transition Specialist to lead a critical transition from our current payroll provider to a new managed service. This is a hands on role where you will not only lead the transition programme but also take ownership of running payroll from day one, ensuring continuity, accuracy, and control during a period of heightened risk.

This is a 6 month fixed term contract, with the potential to transition into a permanent position.

Job Responsibilities Payroll Operations (Hands On)

• Take ownership of running end to end UK payroll from the point of joining, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Manage payroll inputs, validation, approvals, and outputs, including overtime, bonuses, deductions, and statutory payments.
• Oversee and/or support monthly payroll cycles, managing risks associated with current provider performance issues.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, variance analysis, and error resolution.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll queries from employees and stakeholders.

Payroll Transition Leadership

• Lead the end to end transition from current payroll provider to a new managed service.
• Coordinate activities across HR, Finance, IT, Compliance, and external providers.
• Manage transition plans, timelines, and governance frameworks.
• Act as the central programme lead ensuring delivery against milestones.

Data Migration & Parallel Runs

• Oversee data extraction, cleansing, and migration between providers.
• Lead parallel payroll runs, ensuring full reconciliation and accuracy prior to go live.
• Establish robust validation and sign off processes to mitigate transition risk.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies proactively.

Risk, Compliance & Controls

• Provide independent payroll assurance throughout the transition.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, RTI, and statutory reporting.
• Strengthen payroll controls, governance, and audit readiness.
• Reduce operational, financial, and reputational risk linked to payroll inaccuracies.

Process Design & Documentation

• Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering payroll inputs and timelines.
• Develop and document SOPs covering validation and approval checkpoints.
• Develop and document SOPs covering exception handling and escalation routes.
• Build a controlled and scalable payroll environment for long term ownership.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner closely with HR and Finance to ensure continuity of BAU operations.
• Work with IT teams on data, systems, and integration requirements.
• Manage relationship with the external payroll provider (RSM).
• Provide clear communication on progress, risks, and key decisions.

Candidate Requirements Essential

• Proven experience running UK payroll hands on (end to end ownership).
• CIPP qualification.
• Significant experience leading payroll transitions / implementations, particularly between providers or into managed services.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including RTI, statutory payments, pensions, and year end processes.
• Experience managing parallel runs, reconciliations, and payroll sign off.
• Demonstrated ability to work across Payroll / HR, Finance (GL, reconciliations, reporting), IT / systems (data migration, integrations), Compliance / audit stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of payroll risk, controls, and governance frameworks.

Personal Attributes

• Highly detail oriented with strong accuracy focus.
• Hands on and proactive with a delivery mindset.
• Able to operate effectively in a fast paced, high risk environment.
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Balances strategic oversight with operational execution.

Why Join This Role?

• Lead a business critical transformation with immediate impact
• Take ownership of payroll operations during a pivotal stabilisation period
• Opportunity to transition into a permanent role in payroll & benefits
• Build and shape a best practice payroll function from the ground up

Working Pattern

• Hybrid: 2 days per week in office (UK based).
• Remaining days remote.