Interim Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Interim Payroll & Benefits Specialist £Competitive | 4–6 Month Interim Contract | Southampton (3 days per week initially) The Company Our client is an established international business with operations across the UK and overseas. They are currently seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join them on an interim basis to ensure a smooth transition during a period of change within the payroll function. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on payroll professional who enjoys improving processes, working autonomously and making a real impact within a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The Role Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you will take ownership of the end-to-end UK payroll while coordinating outsourced international payrolls across several global locations. This is a hands-on position requiring someone who can quickly pick up responsibility, ensure payroll accuracy and document robust payroll processes for the future. This is a key assignment where you'll work closely with Payroll, Finance and People teams to ensure continuity of service whilst developing standard operating procedures from the ground up. Key Responsibilities • Manage the end-to-end UK payroll process, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing. • Coordinate outsourced payrolls across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, India and the USA. • Administer employee benefits and share schemes. • Prepare payroll journals, reconciliations and statutory returns. • Respond to payroll queries from employees and stakeholders. • Develop and document payroll processes and standard operating procedures. • Work with payroll and HR systems including Infinet Cloud, Deel, NetSuite and HiBob. • Collaborate closely with Finance and People teams to support payroll operations and continuous improvement. About You To be successful, you will have: • Proven experience personally managing complex end-to-end UK payroll processing. • Experience working with outsourced international payroll providers. • Knowledge of one or more payroll/HR systems such as Infinet Cloud, Deel, NetSuite or HiBob. • CIPP qualification or significant equivalent payroll experience. • Experience administering employee benefits and share schemes. • The ability to create and document payroll processes from scratch. • Excellent attention to detail with a calm, methodical and organised approach. • The ability to work independently and quickly become productive within a busy environment. Salary & Location • 4–6 month interim contract • Competitive day rate/salary depending on experience • Southampton • Hybrid working – You must be able to work three days per week in the Southampton office for the first five weeks. This requirement is non-negotiable due to the handover period. • Immediate start preferred.