Interim Payroll Manager (Contract)

Interim Payroll Manager

Immediate start possible - 3 or 4 month contract

Hybrid – Shoreham

About Focus Group

Focus Group is a £300m-revenue, 1,400-person technology services company backed by Hg Capital. Following our $1bn valuation in 2024, we're scaling rapidly and investing in AI to transform how we operate and how we serve our 30,000 SME customers.

The role

We're looking for an experienced Interim Payroll Manager to join us on a fixed-term/contract basis while we recruit for a permanent hire. You'll be able to start immediately and hit the ground running, taking ownership of the end-to-end payroll function across our group of companies.

This is a hands-on role covering multi-entity payroll (predominantly CIPHR, with some Sage), managing a small payroll team, and acting as the go-to expert for payroll compliance and stakeholder queries during the interim period.

What you'll be doing

• Managing end-to-end monthly payroll processing across the group, including starters, leavers, variable pay, absence pay and statutory payments
• Owning payroll compliance, statutory reporting (RTI/FPS) and liaison with HMRC and pension providers
• Managing payroll reconciliations and resolving discrepancies
• Overseeing pension auto-enrolment and deductions for employee benefits
• Providing day-to-day management and support to the payroll team
• Acting as escalation point for payroll queries from staff and managers

What you'll bring

• Proven experience managing payroll for a similar-sized, multi-entity group
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK payroll legislation (SSP, NMW, statutory payments, NI thresholds)
• Experience with CIPHR and/or Sage payroll software
• Confidence to pick up an existing payroll function quickly and work independently from day one
• CIPP or equivalent qualification (desirable)
• PE-backed or group/holding company experience (desirable)

Why this role

A great opportunity for an interim payroll professional to step into a fast-paced, growing business, with the autonomy to make an immediate impact. Hybrid working from our Shoreham office, on a fixed-term contract / competitive day rate.

Let's connect. Let's grow.

Available immediately? Apply now.