Senior Payroll Lead

Role: Senior Payroll Lead – 3 Month Contract

Location: London, Greater London

Job Type: Temporary – 2 Month Contract

Pay: £475 - £550 Per Day Umbrella Rate

Role Purpose

Morson are partnering exclusively with a global business to with offices across the UK in their search for a Senior Payroll Lead. This role will be a short-term contract to support the Payroll Function as well as the wider Finance Function.

You’ll play a critical role in the continued automation and enhancement of payroll processes, ensuring strong data quality controls and effective use of analytics. This position will lead digital transformation initiatives, manage end-to-end operational delivery, and foster strong partnerships with both internal stakeholders and the external managed service provider.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Payroll Lead:

• Oversee end-to-end payroll for around 6,000 employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
• Act as the main escalation point for complex payroll queries, providing expert guidance and resolution.
• Track and improve payroll performance using KPIs and data analysis.
• Drive automation and process improvements through digital solutions and system enhancements.
• Work closely with the managed service provider to optimise processes and maintain data quality.
• Lead, develop, and support payroll team members.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Pensions, and Compliance to streamline payroll-related processes.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, data security standards, and company policies.
• Support wider people programs, including Talent, Reward, and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with employees, managers, and payroll partners.

What we are looking for:

• 10+ years’ payroll experience, ideally in a managed service or outsourcing environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll processes, legislation, and compliance.
• Experience in large, complex organisations, preferably within shared services.
• Skilled in Oracle HCM (or similar systems) and advanced Excel.
• Proven leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Analytical, detail-focused, and solutions-driven.
• Able to work independently and in fast-paced, collaborative environments.
• Professional payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP) an advantage.

If you’re looking to bring your technical accounting expertise into a business with exciting growth ambitions and a supportive, collaborative culture, this could be your ideal next move.

To be considered for this fantastic opportunity, you must APPLY NOW, making sure to attach your up-to-date CV.

*Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial telephone interview. If selected from the shortlist, a formal interview process will then begin.