Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist | 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract | Atherstone | Up to £45,000 pro rata
Start Date: ASAP | Office-Based | Standalone Role

Are you an experienced payroll professional ready to take ownership of a key transformation project? We are hiring for a Payroll Specialist to join a Warwickshire-based business on a 6-month contract, responsible for bringing payroll in-house from a third-party provider.

This is a standalone, office-based role where you'll lead on all aspects of payroll delivery and implementation. There is also potential for this role to become permanent for the right candidate, depending on performance and business needs.

Location: Atherstone, Warwickshire (Fully Office-Based)
Salary: Up to £45,000 (pro rata), dependent on experience
Contract: 6-month fixed term, full-time (35 hours per week)
Start: ASAP

The Role:
You will lead the transition of payroll from an outsourced model to a fully in-house function, overseeing and executing all aspects of payroll for approximately 850 employees. This includes system setup, process design, and full operational responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for c.850 employees
• Lead the migration of payroll from an outsourced provider to an internal process
• Set up and implement new payroll systems and controls
• Conduct monthly payroll processing, reconciliations, and reporting
• Administer statutory deductions, pension uploads, and P11D submissions
• Act as the main point of contact for payroll queries and escalations
• Support audit requirements with accurate records and documentation
• Collaborate closely with HR and Finance to ensure payroll accuracy

About You:

• Proven experience in managing payroll in a standalone or project-based role
• Strong Excel skills, including formulas, lookups, and pivot tables
• Experience with IRIS payroll software is advantageous
• Previous involvement in payroll transitions or system implementation
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and confident in managing change
• Able to commit to working onsite in Atherstone, full-time
• Full driving licence and own transport due to site location

If you're a hands-on payroll expert looking for your next interim challenge and can start at short notice, we want to hear from you.
This contract offers the opportunity to make a real impact - and could lead to a permanent role for the right person.

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Macildowie is a specialist recruitment consultancy with a rich history of enhancing the careers of professionals across the Midlands and the Northern Home Counties. We have an unrivalled understanding of the local market place and recruit for the majority of the region's premier employers. To search for all of our live jobs please visit us at macildowie.com.