At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.
We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.
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
At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.
Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.
We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.
Skills Required
- 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
- Experience designing, implementing and enhancing payroll controls
- 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
- Experience with Workday, including system optimisation, configuration or integration
- Experience in a professional services environment
What We Do
At Kainos we use technology to solve real problems for our customers, overcome big challenges for businesses, and make people’s lives easier. We build strong relationships with our customers and go beyond to change the way they work today and the impact they have tomorrow. Our two specialist business areas, Digital Services and the Workday Practice, work globally for clients across healthcare, commercial and the public sector to make the world a little bit better, day by day.
