Payroll Team Lead | UK & International Payroll

Handle are partnering with a leading international retail business to recruit an experienced Payroll Team Lead to oversee UK payroll operations within a growing, multi-country organisation.

This is a hands-on leadership role, managing a small payroll team and overseeing outsourced payroll delivery for approximately 4,000 employees. You'll work closely with HR, Finance, Technology and external providers to ensure accurate, compliant and efficient payroll operations.

The role:

• Lead end-to-end UK payroll delivery, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Manage, coach and develop a team of two payroll professionals.
• Own relationships with outsourced payroll providers, monitoring service levels and driving improvements.
• Support payroll transformation, systems enhancements and new country implementations.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations, pensions, audits and statutory reporting.
• Drive automation, process optimisation and strong governance across payroll operations.

What we're looking for:

• Significant payroll leadership experience within a fast-paced, international business.
• Strong knowledge of UK and European payroll legislation.
• Proven experience managing outsourced payroll providers and developing teams.
• Confident working with HRIS, payroll and ERP systems.
• Advanced Excel skills, including Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP.
• CIPP qualification is preferred
• Excellent analytical, organisational and stakeholder management skills.

This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional looking to combine team leadership, technical expertise and continuous improvement within a growing international business.

Interested, or know someone who could be a great fit? Get in touch for a confidential conversation.

Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.