MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE BUSINESS: 

GROUP PAYROLL MANAGER  

As Group Payroll Manager at Kainos, you will lead and manage the global payroll function within Kainos. 

Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, you will act as the global lead for payroll across Kainos, working closely with People Operations and other Finance teams to ensure a high-quality employee payroll experience, and that the function remains robust, scalable and fit for the future. 

The key responsibilities for this role include: 

• Own and lead the global payroll function, ensuring effective and compliant day-to-day operations 

• Lead and develop a team of payroll specialists, providing coaching, performance management and clear career progression 

• Ensure accurate, timely and resilient delivery of global payroll, with full ownership of processes, systems and controls, including hands-on support where required 

• Deliver a high-quality payroll experience for employees, with clear and responsive support for queries 

• Lead and contribute to cross-functional payroll projects and continuous process improvement, with a focus on automation, data quality and resilience 

• Evolve the payroll strategy to ensure scalability, compliance and alignment with future business needs 

• Build strong, collaborative partnerships with People Operations to support the employee payroll experience 

• Provide strategic insight when considering expansion into new locations, ensuring payroll readiness and scalability 

• Establish payroll processes in new global locations 

• Provide clear insights and recommendations to senior finance leadership and executive stakeholders 

• Drive a cost-effective payroll model that balances service quality with efficiency 

• Oversee and regularly assess outsourced payroll providers, ensuring strong performance and value for money 

• Provide expert guidance on complex global payroll tax matters, offering clear and pragmatic advice to the business 

MINIMUM (ESSENTIAL) REQUIREMENTS:  

• Extensive experience in a global payroll role, including experience managing teams 

• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams 

• Strong Financial systems knowledge and Excel skills 

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability of building strong trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders 

• Experience designing, implementing and enhancing payroll controls. 

• A high attention to detail with excellent organisational and planning skills 

• Ability to work to tight deadlines and exercise sound judgement in complex or high impact situations 

• Highly flexible, including willingness to work flexible hours at peak times and have a ‘hands-on’ approach if needed 

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: 

• Experience with Workday, including system optimisation, configuration or integration with wider finance and people systems 

• Experience in a professional services environment