Payroll Specialist - London

We are seeking a Payroll Specialist for a 6-month fixed-term contract within a leading consumer retail business based in Central London . In this role, you will be responsible for delivering payroll operations across the group while supporting the transition to a new payroll system ( Dayforce ) and updated processes. The role covers payroll for several thousand colleagues across the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific .

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Global Payroll Manager in the global rollout of the Dayforce system, leading training and transition efforts for the payroll team.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, reviewing processes, systems, and ways of working, and incorporating external best practices. This may include team restructuring.
• Provide critical support for new business initiatives that impact payroll processes and systems.
• Lead the update of payroll team policies and procedures to reflect the new system and processes.
• Manage relationships with international payroll bureaus to ensure service delivery, compliance with local regulations, and optimal value to the Group.
• Ensure the team's learning and development needs are met through goal setting, coaching, and constructive feedback.
• Oversee team workload, identify future resourcing needs, and support recruitment efforts.
• Ensure effective onboarding of new team members.
• Support the review and implementation of an enhanced benefits offering.
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and assist in reconciling payroll balance sheet accounts.

About You:

• 10+ years of payroll experience in a large, international organisation.
• Proven people management skills with a track record of developing teams and individuals.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment, managing competing priorities, and driving change.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Background in retail or hospitality (high-volume environments preferred).
• Experience with global payroll operations.
• Recent, hands-on experience with the Dayforce platform.

To be considered for the role, candidates must be available to start the role immediately.

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