National Payroll Lead Director
11 days ago
Manchester
Michael Page are looking for an experienced National Payroll Lead Director to lead and transform payroll operations across the UK and offshore delivery centres. You will be responsible for strategic leadership, operational oversight, compliance, client relationships, team development, ensuring efficient, compliant and scalable payroll services.\n\nClient Details\n\nThis is an opportunity to lead a national payroll function in a highly respected, people-focused firm. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping payroll strategy, improving processes, and mentoring a talented team while making a real difference to clients and colleagues.\n\nDescription\n\nThe key responsibilities of a National Payroll Lead Director will include:\n\nStrategic Leadership and Governance:\n\nSteer the national payroll service line, aligning strategy across offices.\nOwn and evolve the end-to-end payroll operating model.\nLead change, transformation, and automation initiatives.\nDefine and implement payroll offshoring strategy in collaboration with leadership.\nRepresent payroll in firm-wide governance, advisory panels, and market forums.\nOversee payroll vendor relationships and system performance.Operational Oversight\n\nMonitor and manage payroll team performance (UK & offshore).\nRebalance workload between onshore and offshore teams.\nManage outsourced bureau operations and ensure compliance.\nHandle escalations, complex queries, and high-risk payroll matters.\nApprove payroll reports and ensure quality control across offices.Compliance & Risk Management\n\nEnsure compliance with UK payroll legislation (HMRC, RTI, pensions, GDPR).\nMaintain payroll offshoring risk framework, business continuity, and quality assurance.\nMonitor engagement risks and ensure consistent onshore/offshore delivery.Client Relationship and Advisory\n\nMaintain senior client relationships, acting as the primary contact for key clients.\nAdvise on payroll software, compliance, and operational efficiency.\nHandle sensitive client scenarios and ensure satisfaction at all times.Systems and Data Management\n\nImplementing and upgrading payroll systems, ensuring they meet operational and compliance needs and are compatible with other required platforms, and are suitable for offshore delivery.\nEvaluate and implement new technologies, to improve efficiency and reporting, including automation that reduces UK processing effort and supports offshore scale.\nManaging data integrity, including client codes, KYC procedures, and engagement documentation, ensuring appropriate controls for offshore access and processing.\nDriving reporting improvements, such as timesheet tracking, billing metrics, and KPI dashboards, including offshore utilisation, and quality.Team Leadership and Development\n\nLead and mentor UK and offshore payroll teams.\nFoster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.\nSupport staff career progression, including transitions to advisory or specialist roles.\nDevelop offshore training pathways and uplift team capability. \n\nProfile\n\nThe successful National Payroll Lead Director will have:\n\nProven experience leading national or multi-regional payroll functions within an Accountancy practice or Bureau.\nExperience managing high-volume payroll bureaus or offshore delivery centres.\nTrack record of end-to-end payroll operating model ownership, including offshore teams.\nStrong background in payroll compliance, HMRC legislation, pensions, RTI, GDPR, and statutory reporting.\nExperience in payroll transformation, digitisation, and adoption of new technologies.\nExcellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.\nAbility to manage complex escalations and high-risk payroll issues.Job Offer\n\nA salary up to £90,000 per annum + bonus\nHybrid working - 3 days in office, 2 days working from home\n37.5 hours working week with flexible start and finish times\n33 days holidays including bank holidays with option to buy and sell 5 per year\nGenuine opportunities to progress and scale within a top Accountancy firm\nGroup life assurance and pension\nExclusive discounts\nEmployee Assistance Programmes\nPlus much more