Payroll Manager

Once For All is a high-growth, cloud-based, SaaS subscription business. Our technology helps our customers to manage their supply chain governance, risk management and compliance. We work across public and private sector and have over 250k customers across the UK across 20 different sectors including construction, transport, retail, hospitality education, facility and property management, manufacturing, local and central government.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager 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.

We will work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, IT, Compliance, and external providers, stabilising payroll operations while delivering a structured, controlled transition. Following successful implementation, there is a strong opportunity to transition into a permanent Payroll & Benefits Specialist role with long term ownership.

This is a permanent role.

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.
• Define validation and approval checkpoints.
• Establish 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.