Payroll Implementation Specialist

Payroll Implementation Partner (FTC) Contract Duration: June 2026 – July 2027 (Maternity Cover)

Overview

We’re supporting a client in appointing an experienced Payroll Implementation Partner to join their team on a fixed-term basis. This role plays a key part in ensuring the smooth onboarding of new payroll clients, delivering a high-quality, accurate, and compliant payroll setup from day one. Working closely with both internal teams and external clients, you’ll take ownership of the implementation phase—managing data migration, running parallel payrolls, and ensuring all processes are robust before transitioning accounts into business-as-usual operations. This is a project-focused position designed to support a period of increased demand, rather than a long-term operational role.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients during the payroll implementation phase, setting clear timelines and expectations
• Lead end-to-end payroll onboarding, including full parallel payroll runs
• Manage the migration of payroll data from legacy providers into the new system
• Deliver system demonstrations and provide guidance on payroll best practice
• Analyse payroll data, identifying discrepancies and ensuring accuracy throughout implementation
• Review and validate payroll reports to maintain strong data integrity
• Produce and interpret reporting to support a smooth transition into BAU payroll processing
• Respond to client queries relating to pay, deductions, and statutory requirements
• Ensure all payroll processing aligns with current UK legislation and compliance standards
• Contribute to wider project work and continuous improvement initiatives

Experience & Skills

Essential:

• Advanced Excel capability, including handling and analysing large data sets
• Proven experience within a fast-paced payroll environment
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines
• Comfortable working under pressure while maintaining accuracy
• Excellent organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation, compliance, and regulatory requirements

Desirable:

• CIPP qualification (or working towards)
• Experience using Paycircle or similar payroll systems
• Exposure to payroll within the hospitality sector

JGA Recruitment Group Ltd ("We") are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications regardless of , disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply. We are also committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We are a specialist payroll, HR & Reward recruitment agency and recruitment business as defined in the Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (our business). These statements together with our privacy notices set out the basis on which any personal data we collect f