Payroll Manager

My client are a leading construction and engineering business with a reputation for excellence across complex projects in the UK. As a business built on integrity, expertise, and teamwork, our client combines industry-leading standards with a people-first culture.

The Opportunity

They are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to step into an urgent 6-month contract role, supporting the payroll function during a critical transitional phase. This is a hands-on position managing a weekly payroll for approximately 200 employees across seven payrolls, alongside an existing team member.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining the current payroll process, while also identifying and implementing improvements to prepare for an upcoming payroll outsourcing project.

Key Responsibilities

* Manage the end-to-end processing of seven weekly payrolls (approx. 200 staff), in collaboration with the current payroll administrator.

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Ensure accurate and timely processing of wages, deductions, and statutory payments.

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Follow and uphold the current (manual and person-dependent) payroll processes, while identifying areas for improvement and future-proofing.

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Support the preparation and transition to an outsourced payroll model within six months.

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Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and maintain positive working relationships with existing team members.

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Produce reports and payroll reconciliations using Excel, ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulations.

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Stay current with payroll legislation, ensuring the business remains compliant.

What We’re Looking For

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Proven experience managing weekly payroll cycles – ideally at scale.

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Confident and diplomatic communicator, able to collaborate with team members with diverse working styles.

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Strong Excel skills – comfortable working with formulas, lookups, reconciliations, etc.

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Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with minimal supervision.

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Experience within the construction industry is a bonus, but weekly payroll expertise is more critical.

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Level-headed, pragmatic, and efficient — someone who fits into a hard-working but down-to-earth team.

Why Join?

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Our client are a respected industry leader with a family-feel culture.

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Opportunity to make a tangible impact during a pivotal transformation period.

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Work closely with experienced professionals and contribute to long-term payroll improvements.

Immediate start available.
If you’re a confident payroll professional looking to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into a rewarding short-term project, we’d love to hear from you