Payroll Implementation Lead - #2187412

We are embarking on an exciting system transformation journey and are seeking an experienced Payroll Implementation Lead to play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of our new HR & Payroll system, People First.

Reporting directly to the Group Director of Human Resources, you will act as the payroll subject matter expert within the project team, leading the payroll implementation workstream from configuration and migration through to testing, go-live and post-implementation support.

Location: Openshaw Campus, Manchester (Hybrid - 2 days on site)

Contract: Fixed-Term Contract (12 Months)

Hours: Full Time, 37 Hours per Week

Pay: £55,000 - £58,000 per annum

As Payroll Implementation Lead, you will drive the successful set-up, mobilisation and stabilisation of a new real-time payroll system. Working closely with stakeholders, suppliers and project teams, you will ensure payroll legislation, organisational policies and operational requirements are translated into effective system configuration, controls and processes.

This role is focused solely on implementation and transformation activities. Responsibility for day-to-day payroll and pensions operations will remain with the Payroll & Pensions Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll implementation workstream, managing plans, milestones, risks, dependencies and decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Configure and validate payroll elements including tax, National Insurance, statutory payments, deductions, pension schemes and auto-enrolment rules.
• Drive the adoption of best-practice payroll processes and support the transition to a real-time payroll operating model.
• Lead payroll data mapping, cleansing, migration, validation and reconciliation activities.
• Coordinate payroll testing activities, including User Acceptance Testing (UAT), end-to-end testing and parallel payroll runs.
• Manage payroll cutover activities and support go-live and hypercare phases.
• Identify and resolve payroll system defects, data issues and process challenges.
• Produce implementation documentation, audit evidence, user guidance and management reporting.
• Work collaboratively with suppliers, project teams and senior stakeholders to deliver key project outcomes.

About You

We are looking for a payroll professional who combines strong technical payroll knowledge with proven implementation and transformation experience.

You will have:

• CIPP Payroll qualification (or equivalent payroll knowledge and experience).
• Significant end-to-end UK payroll experience within a complex, high-volume environment.
• Proven experience leading payroll system implementations, migrations or transformation projects.
• Hands-on experience with payroll configuration, data migration, testing, reconciliation, cutover and go-live activities.
• Strong knowledge of PAYE, NIC, RTI, statutory payments, payroll deductions, pensions and auto-enrolment.
• Experience running parallel payrolls and reconciling outputs against legacy systems such as iTrent.
• Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis, validation and reconciliation of large datasets.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight project deadlines.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a major organisation-wide transformation programme.
• Play a leading role in shaping the future payroll operating model.
• Hybrid working with flexibility built into the role.
• Access to exclusive opportunities and career development support.
• Health Cash Plan and REED Discount Club.
• Statutory Sick Pay, Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay.
• Professional development opportunities through REED Learning.
• Eye test and spectacle vouchers.

If this role sounds of interest then please Apply Today!