Payroll Delivery Lead

• Payroll Delivery Lead
• £460 per day Outside IR35
• 6 months + further extension
• Manchester - mix of remote/office based working

Our client in Manchester is currently on the lookout for a Payroll Delivery Lead to to join a critical phase of their payroll transformation programme. You will support the project manager by taking ownership for all aspects of the delivery of the new payroll system (Zellis HCM Air - Payroll) including configuration management, parallel run planning/execution and supporting the programme through UAT and go-live readiness.

This is a hands-on delivery role ideal for someone who understands payroll in depth, is comfortable working through complexity, and can confidently support both systems and operational teams through a high-pressure delivery window.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Provide structured, hands-on support to the payroll team throughout delivery
• Familiarise with the payroll configuration that has been implemented and represent it to all stakeholders
• Own the planning, coordination, and oversee the execution of any remaining payroll configuration tasks
• Ensure that all calculations, rules, and integration points are clearly understood and correctly configured
• Ensure that all configuration is accurately and clearly documented
• Conduct unit testing across all payroll configuration prior to the commencement of UAT
• Own the planning, coordination, and execution of payroll parallel runs
• Support and coordinate extensive UAT across payroll scenarios
• Ensure appropriate coverage of complex payroll and absence scenarios

The following skills and experience will be essential:

• Strong background in the delivery of payroll systems that are fully integrated into a separate HCM system
• Experience with Zellis HCM Air - Payroll
• Proven experience leading or supporting parallel runs and payroll go-live
• Experience moving from manual to system-driven payroll processes
• Extensive understanding of payroll processes, including absence and statutory elements
• Experience working in UAT environments with complex scenarios
• Confident communicator, able to support and challenge constructively