Head of Payroll Transformation

We're searching for a visionary leader to become our Head of Payroll Transformation. This is your chance to drive end-to-end change — streamlining systems, revolutionising processes, and elevating the employee experience. You'll take full ownership of modernising governance, ensuring compliance, and building a payroll function that’s efficient, scalable, and future-ready. If you're excited by big challenges and even bigger opportunities, your next chapter starts here.

As the Head of Payroll Transformation, you will partner with HR, Finance, Technology, and external vendors to design and implement a best-in-class payroll strategy. This is a high-impact role for someone with a strong background in payroll operations, change management, and transformation programs.

Who We Are:

At The Compleat Food Group, we're on a mission to create delectable food that not only brings joy to your taste buds but also extends love to our planet. We fondly refer to it as 'Food to Feel Good' because we believe in savouring every bite whilst making a positive impact.

Our team of over 6,000 remarkable individuals forms the core of all that we undertake. Their genuine passion drives the creation of delectable products for UK consumers, prominent retailers, and our thrilling market-leading brands such as Wall's Pastry, Squeaky Bean, and Unearthed.

 Working Hours:

This is a site based role and the working hours are Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, Monday to Thursday, 8.30am – 4pm on a Friday.

 Your Duties Will Include:

• Develop and lead a comprehensive payroll transformation strategy aligned with business and HR objectives.
• Implement payroll integration strategies for newly acquired businesses, ensuring consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Manage and develop both the Payroll and HR Information Systems (HRIS) teams, ensuring clear direction, performance accountability, and effective collaboration.
• Lead the delivery of an integrated time and attendance solution with payroll, ensuring systems are aligned, future-fit, and capable of supporting evolving business needs.
• Oversee the evaluation, selection, and implementation of payroll systems and technology platforms.
• Analyse and redesign payroll operating models to improve efficiency, compliance, accuracy, and user experience.
• Lead cross-functional project teams across HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to deliver transformation milestones.
• Standardise payroll processes across regions, ensuring consistency while respecting local regulatory requirements.
• Build robust governance frameworks and internal controls across all payroll functions.
• Develop KPIs and reporting mechanisms to monitor payroll performance and compliance. 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across payroll systems and processes, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Your Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience leading large-scale payroll transformation programs
• Deep knowledge of payroll operations, legislation, systems, and best practices
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation
• Strong project and change management skills with the ability to deliver on time and within budget
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Experience working in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
• Ability to influence Managers to utilise and own new ways of working

Benefits:

• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• 2 Employee Volunteering Days per year
• Online and High-street retailer discount scheme
• Employee well-being and community support groups
• Informal and Formal training opportunities with personalised online LMS platform
• Charity Initiatives and Team events
• 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support)
• Physical Wellbeing Benefits – Free on demand exercise hub and various gym discounts.
• Online Wellbeing benefits
• Free Financial wellbeing – mortgage calculators, budget tools, financial aid tools
• Holiday Discounts via Online Retail Discount

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace.

We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.

Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.

Recruitment Agencies: 

We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.

If you would be interested in working with us, please send a message to recruitment@compleatfood.com and should we have any roles we need additional support with we will reach out to you.