Payroll Manager – Fixed-Term Contract

About the role

Join a leading UK retail organisation as a Payroll Manager on a fixed‑term basis, with the potential to become permanent. You will take full ownership of payroll delivery for a high‑performing, large‑scale operation.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day delivery of accurate, compliant and timely payroll services for a large UK retail organisation.
• Maintain payroll processes, controls and governance to meet legislative and company requirements.
• Support optimisation of payroll systems, processes and ways of working.
• Provide expertise for payroll‑related change initiatives, system enhancements and business projects.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing payroll team, fostering service excellence.
• Monitor payroll performance, risks and service metrics, resolving issues promptly.
• Build strong relationships with HR, Finance, Technology, external providers and regulators.
• Assist with audit, compliance and regulatory activities to keep payroll audit‑ready.

Required profile

• Based within commuting distance of Suffolk and able to work on‑site three days a week.
• Immediately available or able to start the initial fixed‑term contract.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, statutory payments, pensions and compliance.
• Experience managing payroll in a shared‑services, outsourced or high‑volume environment.
• Proven track record of delivering accurate payroll with robust controls and risk management.
• People‑leadership experience, capable of developing teams and driving a customer‑focused culture.
• Experience supporting payroll‑related change, system implementations and process improvements.
• Ability to work with senior stakeholders across HR, Finance, Technology and external providers.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills with data‑driven decision making.

Required skills

• UK payroll legislation
• HMRC compliance
• Statutory payments and pensions