Payroll Systems/Team Lead

Job Title: Payroll Systems/Team Lead Location: Ashford Job Type: Full time (Hybrid - 2 days in the office/3 days at home) Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum (Dependent on experience) We are recruiting a Payroll Systems & Team Lead to lead the day to day running and continuous improvement of our client's payroll platform. Alongside hands on processing for contractors and temps, you will own system workflows, controls, reporting and integrations, championing automation and standardisation to enhance accuracy, visibility and scalability. Key responsibilities Supervise end to end payroll processing for employees, contractors and temporary staff, ensuring accurate, timely payments and statutory compliance. Manage and mentor a small payroll team, prioritising workloads and providing training and coaching. Reconcile payroll totals, resolve discrepancies and maintain payroll records and audit trails. Liaise with HR, Finance and external suppliers to manage onboarding, leavers, timesheets, expenses and contractor payments. Lead automation and process improvement initiatives: implement and maintain automation tools, maintain integrations between payroll and HR/finance systems, and develop efficiencies using workflow tools, macros or RPA where appropriate. Prepare management reports, month end activities and respond to payroll queries from internal stakeholders and contractors. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, tax and pension requirements; support year end processes. Essential skills and experience Proven payroll experience, including direct responsibility for contractor and temporary staff payroll. Experience implementing or operating payroll automation (e.g., RPA, integrations, scripting, automated workflows) and a drive to improve processes through technology. Strong knowledge of payroll systems and data flows; confident working with payroll/HR/finance software and Excel. Excellent attention to detail, problem solving skills and the ability to work to deadlines. Good communication skills and experience working with multiple stakeholders. Experience supervising or leading a small team.