Interim Head of Payroll

Are you confident running large, complex payrolls without hand-holding? Can you lead an experienced team and keep everything running smoothly from day one? Do you enjoy being fully accountable for payroll delivery in a shared-service environment?

A large national organisation operating a shared payroll service is seeking an Interim Head of Payroll to take full ownership of payroll delivery across multiple organisations. This is a 3-month interim role with a clear view to permanent appointment, stepping into a stable, well-run function following the departure of a long-standing postholder.

The shared service delivers payroll for c. 3,500–3,600 employees across multiple payrolls, including permanent staff and contractor populations. The team beneath you is experienced and capable — this role exists to provide confident leadership, oversight and accountability.

Key responsibilities include:

• Taking full operational ownership of end-to-end payroll delivery across multiple payrolls.
• Leading and managing an established payroll team (Payroll Manager, Supervisors and Administrators).
• Acting as the senior point of accountability for payroll accuracy, controls and compliance.
• Ensuring continuity and stability following the transition of the previous postholder.
• Overseeing monthly payroll cycles, including contractor and timesheet-based payrolls.
• Acting as the main escalation point for complex payroll queries and decision-making.
• Maintaining strong relationships with HMRC and ensuring ongoing compliance.
• Using iTrent effectively to manage payroll operations and reporting.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior payroll leadership role where the fundamentals are already strong. You won’t be firefighting historic issues or inheriting broken processes — instead, you’ll be trusted to take control, provide calm leadership, and keep a large shared-service payroll running efficiently. The organisation offers flexible working, a supportive culture, and strong long-term development opportunities for those moving into the permanent role.

To be considered, please meet these criteria:

• Proven experience running large-scale payrolls with full end-to-end accountability.
• Experience managing multiple payrolls or operating within a shared services environment.
• Confident people manager, comfortable leading experienced payroll professionals.
• Strong hands-on payroll knowledge — able to run payroll personally if required.
• Experience with payroll systems (iTrent experience highly advantageous).
• Contractor / timesheet payroll exposure desirable.
• Experience and capability valued over formal payroll qualifications.

This role requires an immediate or near-immediate start. Interviews are taking place on a rolling basis, and high-quality profiles will be considered even after the initial closing date. Apply now to avoid missing out.