Payroll Consultant (6 months FTC)

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Payroll Consultant to lead the design, selection, and implementation of a global payroll solution across multiple regions. This high-impact role combines hands-on UK payroll and benefits administration with strategic responsibility for managing a company-wide payroll transformation.

You will take full responsibility for the UK payroll and benefits (approx. 65 employees), while also leading the global payroll project — working closely with local finance teams, people partners, and external vendors to drive the entire tender and implementation process.

Role and Responsibilities

Lead Global Payroll Transformation Project

• Own and drive the end-to-end global payroll project, from requirements gathering and vendor evaluation through to implementation and roll-out.

• Lead the tender process, including RFP creation, vendor shortlisting, due diligence, and final selection.

• Collaborate with local finance teams and people partners to assess payroll needs, ensure compliance, and align processes across countries.

• Design and implement a scalable, compliant, and efficient global payroll operating model.

• Define project timelines, deliverables, risk management strategies, and change management plans.

• Act as primary liaison with the selected global payroll provider, overseeing system configuration, integrations, data migration, testing, and go-live.

UK Payroll & Benefits Ownership

• Manage the monthly UK payroll cycle (currently 65 employees), including calculations, adjustments, reporting, and compliance with HMRC regulations.

• Ensure accurate processing of starters, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, and statutory deductions.

• Oversee UK benefits administration, including pensions, private healthcare, and life assurance.

• Liaise with internal stakeholders and third-party providers to resolve payroll queries and maintain employee trust.

• Support year-end processes including P11Ds, P60s, and other reporting obligations.

• Proven experience in leading payroll projects, ideally involving multi-country or global rollouts.

• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and hands-on processing experience.

• Experience working with global payroll vendors (e.g., ADP, CloudPay, Safeguard Global, Deel).

• Demonstrated experience managing RFP/tender processes and vendor selection.

• Comfortable collaborating with cross-functional teams (Finance, HR, IT) across geographies.

• Excellent communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Strong analytical and systems skills — familiarity with HRIS and payroll platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CIPP certification (UK) or equivalent international payroll qualifications.

• Experience implementing or optimising global payroll systems and integrations.

• Familiarity with GDPR and international payroll compliance requirements.