Head of Payroll

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

7/25/2025

The opportunity

Join Wright Vigar as Head of Payroll and shape the future of a critical business function. A great opportunity for a strategic payroll leader ready to make a lasting impact. We need a dynamic and forward-thinking Head of Payroll to lead, develop, and grow our payroll function. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a vital area of our business, driving operational excellence, enhancing systems and processes, and building a high-performing team that supports our people and our growth ambitions. You will lead our excellent teams at our three hubs (Lincoln, Newark and Nottingham) as well as provide support for other payrollers in the business operating at other office locations. The role may be based at any of our above key payroll hubs. However, you will be expected to regularly visit all hubs to ensure our teams are supported.

Nottingham, Newark, Lincoln

Full Time

Payroll

Competitive

37.5

ASAP

general responsibilities

• Leadership and management - Oversee the payroll team, providing leadership, training, and performance management. Working closely with the payroll hub senior managers
• Staff development - Ensure the Payroll teams are kept legislative up to date and develop them further as required. Complete appraisals of Senior Payroll Managers and input and review of the rest of the payroll team.
• Develop service line – Consolidate and grow the payroll service for the whole company, identifying opportunities internally and externally.
• Process management - Manage and optimise the end-to-end payroll process, from data entry to payment distribution.
• Continuous improvement – Identify areas for improvement in the payroll process and implement changes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Compliance - Ensure compliance to all relevant tax laws, regulations, and company policies. Leading with emerging legislation and processes such as payrolling benefits
• CIPP Payroll Assurance Scheme (PAS) – responsible for the ongoing management of the PAS reaccreditation process and the continued ability to meet the standards in payroll management and development to maintain the accreditation.
• System expertise - Manage and maintain payroll software and systems, including upgrades and integrations. Working with the IT team and Project Manager where required.
• Data security - Ensure the confidentiality and security of sensitive payroll data.
• Reporting and analysis - Prepare and deliver regular reports on department performance for board consideration.
• Client and employee interaction – Serve as a point of contact for high level client enquiries, working with the team to resolve complaints and to improve communication and collaborative working with all internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

skills and qualities

• Qualification – An appropriate payroll qualification, such as CIPP Payroll Management and/or a leadership qualification. Or qualified by experience.
• Experience - Extensive experience in payroll management, preferably in a professional services or bureau environment
• Technical knowledge - In-depth knowledge of payroll processes, legislation, and employment taxation.
  
  

desirable skills

personal skills

• Attention to detail - High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical skills - Ability to analyse payroll data and identify trends and issues
• Organisational Skills - Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Leadership skills - Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Technical skills - Proficient in payroll software and systems, with experience in implementing and managing them.
  
  

working conditions and package

• Full time
• Flexible working hours/conditions – some home working available
• 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Annual leave trading scheme
• Salary dependant on experience
• Contributory pension scheme
• Healthplan cashback scheme
• Permanent health insurance scheme
• Death in Service benefit
• Private medical insurance (BUPA)