Payroll Manager | Leading Global Fashion Company | London / Hybrid
Harmonic are excited to be partnering with a leading global fashion company in their search for an experienced Payroll Manager. This is a high-impact leadership role, ideal for a payroll professional who enjoys managing people, owning complex payroll operations, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced, commercial environment.
The Client
This opportunity sits within a multi entity fashion business with a strong retail footprint and Head Office presence. The company is known for its collaborative culture, commercial mindset, and commitment to operational excellence. With continuous YoY growth and no signs of slowing down, they are looking for an experienced Payroll manager to help improve processes and sustain this rapid growth.
The Role
Reporting into the Group Financial Controller, the Payroll Manager will take full ownership of UK and International Payroll, spanning Head Office, Retail, and overseas entities. You will lead a team of four payroll professionals and act as the subject matter expert for all payroll-related matters across the business.
This role combines hands-on technical payroll expertise with people leadership, stakeholder management, and process improvement. It’s well suited to someone who thrives under pressure, enjoys improving systems and controls, and wants to shape the future of a payroll function in a growing international business.
Key Responsibilities
*Act as the primary point of expertise for payroll systems, legislation, and best practice, providing guidance across the business
*Oversee the accurate processing of payroll outputs, including review of journals, reconciliations, and support of month-end activity
*Partner with internal teams across Finance, HR, and operational functions to ensure payroll activity aligns with business requirements
*Drive continuous improvement initiatives across payroll processes, controls, and system usage
*Manage payroll delivery across multiple employee populations, including head office, retail, and overseas teams
*Own relationships with external payroll partners, ensuring service levels, accuracy, and compliance are maintained
*Lead and develop a small payroll team, supporting performance, capability, and day-to-day delivery
*Coordinate variable pay inputs, including retail hours and incentive payments, ensuring timely approvals and submission
*Ensure all statutory and regulatory obligations are met across relevant jurisdictions
*Produce payroll-related reporting and respond to ad hoc queries from stakeholders
What we need to see (essential):
*Proven experience managing UK and international payrolls
*Proven background of process improvement
*Experience supporting multiple international countries
*Strong people management skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams
*In-depth knowledge of payroll legislation, pensions, and compliance
*Ability to work accurately under pressure and manage tight deadlines
*Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
*Advanced Excel capability
What would be beneficial (non-essential)
*Experience working in Retail, FMCG, Fashion (or equivalent)
*Background in accounting
*Proven experience working alongside HR and operations teams
The Offer:
Salary: Up to £70,000 + bonus + benefits
Location: Central London
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If this looks like a great fit, feel free to email directly -
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.