Payroll Delivery Lead

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Payroll Delivery Lead based in India.

This role sits at the core of a global HR shared services environment, responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll delivery for the UK region. You will lead payroll operations end-to-end, working closely with vendors, internal HR, finance, and tax stakeholders to resolve issues, improve processes, and strengthen service quality. The position combines operational oversight with team leadership, requiring strong analytical capability and attention to detail in a high-volume, regulated environment. You will act as a key escalation point for payroll issues while ensuring timely approvals, controls, and reconciliations. The role also plays a major part in driving continuous improvement, automation, and standardization across payroll processes. It is well suited for someone who enjoys both hands-on payroll governance and people leadership within a global, matrixed organization.

• Oversee end-to-end UK payroll delivery, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution across monthly and weekly cycles.
• Manage and develop a team of Payroll Specialists, including recruitment, coaching, performance reviews, and capability building.
• Act as key escalation point for payroll issues, coordinating resolution between vendors, internal stakeholders, and HR/Finance teams.
• Review and approve payroll outputs including BACS payments, adjustments, pension uploads, and statutory deductions.
• Ensure pre-payroll checks, reconciliations, and corrections are completed accurately before final payroll runs.
• Maintain strong governance over payroll processes, ensuring audit readiness and adherence to internal controls.
• Partner with external payroll vendors to monitor performance, resolve issues, and improve service delivery.
• Support overpayments management, tax adjustments, and compliance with HMRC requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through trend analysis, metrics, and process optimization.
• Ensure payroll documentation, work instructions, and operational procedures remain accurate and up to date.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in HR, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience, including leadership or team management responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll processes, including PAYE, NI, and statutory compliance requirements.
• Experience working with HR and payroll systems such as Workday and ADP GlobalView.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships and deliver within SLA-driven environments.
• Experience in payroll reconciliation, audits, and financial control processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across global teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent payroll certification is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with a focus on accuracy, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and expertise.
• Hybrid working model with flexibility between remote and office-based work.
• Opportunity to lead payroll operations in a global shared services environment.
• Exposure to international stakeholders and complex payroll governance processes.
• Career development opportunities within HR operations and payroll leadership.
• Structured learning environment with focus on process improvement and innovation.
• Inclusive workplace culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and growth.