Payroll Manager

Once For All is a high-growth, cloud-based, SaaS subscription business. Our technology helps our customers to manage their supply chain governance, risk management and compliance. We work across public and private sector and have over 250k customers across the UK across 20 different sectors including construction, transport, retail, hospitality education, facility and property management, manufacturing, local and central government.

Role Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Implementation & Transition Specialist to lead a critical transition from our current payroll provider to a new managed service. This is a hands-on role where you will not only lead the transition programme but also take ownership of running payroll from day one, ensuring continuity, accuracy, and control during a period of heightened risk.

You will work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, IT, Compliance, and external providers, stabilising payroll operations while delivering a structured, controlled transition. Following successful implementation, there is a strong opportunity to transition into a permanent Payroll & Benefits Specialist role with long-term ownership.

This is a 6 month fixed‑term contract, with the potential to transition into a permanent position for the right candidate.

Job Responsibilities:

Payroll Operations (Hands-On)

Take ownership of running end-to-end UK payroll from the point of joining, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.

Manage payroll inputs, validation, approvals, and outputs, including overtime, bonuses, deductions, and statutory payments.

Oversee and/or support monthly payroll cycles, managing risks associated with current provider performance issues.

Perform payroll reconciliations, variance analysis, and error resolution.

Act as the primary point of contact for payroll queries from employees and stakeholders.

Payroll Transition Leadership

Lead the end-to-end transition from current payroll provider to a new managed service.

Coordinate activities across HR, Finance, IT, Compliance, and external providers.

Manage transition plans, timelines, and governance frameworks.

Act as the central programme lead ensuring delivery against milestones.

Data Migration & Parallel Runs

Oversee data extraction, cleansing, and migration between providers.

Lead parallel payroll runs, ensuring full reconciliation and accuracy prior to go-live.

Establish robust validation and sign-off processes to mitigate transition risk.

Identify and resolve discrepancies proactively.

Risk, Compliance & Controls

Provide independent payroll assurance throughout the transition.

Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, RTI, and statutory reporting.

Strengthen payroll controls, governance, and audit readiness.

Reduce operational, financial, and reputational risk linked to payroll inaccuracies.

Process Design & Documentation

Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering:

Payroll inputs and timelines.

Validation and approval checkpoints.

Exception handling and escalation routes.

Build a controlled and scalable payroll environment for long-term ownership.

Stakeholder Management

Partner closely with HR and Finance to ensure continuity of BAU operations.

Work with IT teams on data, systems, and integration requirements.

Manage relationship with the external payroll provider (RSM).

Provide clear communication on progress, risks, and key decisions.

Candidate Requirements:

Essential

Proven experience running UK payroll hands-on (end-to-end ownership).

CIPP qualification.

Significant experience leading payroll transitions / implementations, particularly between providers or into managed services.

Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including RTI, statutory payments, pensions, and year-end processes.

Experience managing parallel runs, reconciliations, and payroll sign-off.

Demonstrated ability to work across:

Payroll / HR.

Finance (GL, reconciliations, reporting).

IT / systems (data migration, integrations).

Compliance / audit stakeholders.

Strong understanding of payroll risk, controls, and governance frameworks.

Personal Attributes

Highly detail-oriented with strong accuracy focus.

Hands-on and proactive with a delivery mindset.

Able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-risk environment.

Strong communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders.

Balances strategic oversight with operational execution.

Why Join This Role?

Lead a business-critical transformation with immediate impact

Take ownership of payroll operations during a pivotal stabilisation period

Opportunity to transition into a permanent role in payroll & benefits

Build and shape a best-practice payroll function from the ground up

Working Pattern

Hybrid: 2 days per week in office (UK-based).

Remaining days remote.