Payroll Manager - UK & Middle East

As Payroll Manager, you will lead a team of payroll professionals, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across the UK and Middle East. You’ll be the go-to expert for payroll legislation, tax compliance, and process improvement, while also playing a key role in stakeholder engagement and team development.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support system enhancements (e.g., ADP Global View, HRIS).
• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing, including tax obligations, pension schemes, and salary sacrifice arrangements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including People teams, Finance, and regional leadership.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and performance management for the payroll team.
• Lead and manage payroll operations for the UK and Middle East, ensuring compliance with local legislation and internal controls.
• Ensure timely completion of audits, reconciliations, and reporting requirements.

Are you a seasoned payroll professional ready to lead a dynamic team across multiple regions? GHD is seeking a highly experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for the UK and Middle East, based in our Manchester office with flexible hybrid working options.

• Experience in handling pension-related payroll activities and salary sacrifice schemes.
• Understanding of payroll legislation and compliance requirements across the UK and Middle East, with strong knowledge of end-to-end payroll processes, including upstream and downstream activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly advanced Excel and Word skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret payroll data and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a finance-related discipline is desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a shared services or BPO environment, with hands-on use of intermediate to complex ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or BST10.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing payroll teams, delivering projects, and driving process improvement initiatives.
• Proven expertise in managing payroll cycles using ADP Global View, along with a comprehensive understanding of HRIS platforms.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.

Location: Manchester, UK (Hybrid Working Available)