Director of Payroll

About the role

Portfolio Payroll is partnering with a forward‑thinking organisation in Manchester city centre to hire an experienced Director of Payroll. This senior leader will own the end‑to‑end payroll function, shaping strategy, ensuring compliance and driving continuous improvement across a large, high‑performing team.

Key responsibilities

• Define and deliver a best‑in‑class payroll strategy aligned with the organisation’s long‑term objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction across a large payroll operation, developing and empowering management teams.
• Ensure payroll compliance with all relevant legislation, governance requirements and internal control frameworks.
• Drive operational excellence through robust processes, systems and service improvements.
• Lead transformation and change initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability and customer experience.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and accountability.
• Develop strong relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing strategic decision‑making.
• Identify opportunities for automation, technology enhancements and process optimisation.
• Monitor service performance, risk management and compliance standards to ensure exceptional delivery.

Required profile

• Proven experience at Payroll Director, Head of Payroll or equivalent senior leadership level.
• Extensive experience managing large‑scale payroll operations and sizeable payroll teams.
• Strong technical payroll expertise with in‑depth knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance and governance.
• Demonstrated success in delivering business transformation and process improvement.

Required skills

• Strong technical payroll expertise with in‑depth knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance and governance.

What we offer

• Competitive executive salary package (£90,000‑£125,000 per year).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead transformation in a fast‑growing organisation.