Interim Head of Payroll Transformation - #2130387

Titan Wealth is a fast-growing wealth management business, both in the UK and internationally. It has evolved a fairer, more efficient and effective business model, structured to deliver leading advice-led wealth management services, giving financial advisers and their clients the best opportunity to fulfil their dreams and ambitions.

We provide a dynamic work environment full of opportunity, one where both individual and team initiative and contribution is encouraged, so that together we can deliver better outcomes for our clients over the long term.

Titan Wealth is seeking an experienced and commercially minded payroll transformation leader to undertake a critical programme of payroll review, remediation and transformation across the Group.

The successful candidate will lead the review and transformation of the existing payroll function, strengthen governance and controls, remediate existing compliance issues, and design a scalable Group payroll operating model capable of supporting future acquisitions and international growth.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring an individual who can operate strategically whilst also driving operational improvements and delivering tangible outcomes. The successful candidate will take responsibility for payroll operations across the UK and South Africa, lead and develop the payroll team, oversee payroll governance and provider management, and establish the framework for future international payroll delivery.

The assignment will culminate in the delivery of a documented, controlled and auditable payroll function, supported by a capable permanent team, an optimal future-state team structure, and a scalable operating model aligned to Titan's long-term growth strategy.

Payroll Transformation & Change

• Lead a comprehensive review of the existing payroll function, operating model, governance framework and supporting technology.
• Assess payroll processes, controls, systems, policies and provider arrangements to identify risks, inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Design and deliver a payroll transformation roadmap focused on strengthening governance, improving controls and creating a scalable operating model.
• Drive change across payroll operations whilst ensuring continuity of service and payroll accuracy.
• Establish a future-state payroll function capable of supporting Titan's continued acquisition strategy and international growth.

Payroll Operations Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the payroll function.
• Oversee payroll delivery for:
• UK employee population of approximately 1,082 employees.
• South Africa employee population of approximately 59 employees.
• Ensure payroll is delivered accurately, on time and in line with all legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the payroll team through a period of change whilst maintaining operational effectiveness.
• Establish clear accountability, service standards and performance expectations.

Payroll Team Capability & Organisation Design

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of payroll team capability, capacity, skills, performance and future requirements.
• Evaluate whether the current payroll structure is fit for purpose and capable of supporting the Group's future growth and acquisition strategy.
• Review current roles, responsibilities and operating practices across the function.
• Design and recommend an optimal future-state payroll team structure, including roles, responsibilities, reporting lines and succession planning.
• Identify capability gaps and implement development plans to strengthen payroll expertise across the team.
• Coach, mentor and develop team members to improve performance, capability and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure the payroll function is appropriately resourced and structured to support future growth and international expansion.

Governance, Controls & Compliance

• Conduct a comprehensive review of payroll controls, governance arrangements and compliance frameworks.
• Identify and close control gaps, process weaknesses and operational risks.
• Implement robust payroll controls, approval frameworks and audit trails.
• Establish documented procedures, policies and governance standards across all payroll activities.
• Ensure payroll operations are fully evidenced, controlled and capable of supporting internal and external audit requirements.
• Develop payroll governance reporting and metrics for senior leadership.

Payroll Compliance & Remediation

• Lead the review and resolution of existing payroll compliance issues, including correction of historical P11D errors and associated reporting requirements.
• Review payroll-related tax and benefits processes to ensure compliance with HMRC obligations and regulatory requirements.
• Implement sustainable controls and governance processes to minimise future compliance risks.
• Work closely with Finance, HR, Reward and external advisers to ensure all compliance matters are appropriately addressed and documented.
• Establish clear ownership and accountability for payroll compliance activities across the Group.

Payroll Strategy & Operating Model Design

• Design and document a future-state Group payroll operating model.
• Develop a payroll consolidation strategy across acquired businesses and jurisdictions.
• Create a scalable framework that supports future acquisitions and integration activity.
• Define the target operating model for managing international payroll operations.
• Establish governance and oversight arrangements for in-country payroll providers supporting jurisdictions outside the UK.
• Define service standards, controls, reporting requirements and performance management standards for payroll providers.
• Ensure the operating model balances efficiency, governance, scalability and employee experience.

Systems, Technology & Data Management

• Review payroll systems, integrations and the wider payroll technology landscape.
• Partner with HR Operations to ensure employee data is maintained within HiBob as the single source of truth across the Group.
• Establish appropriate controls and governance around data flows between HR systems and payroll platforms.
• Optimise payroll reporting, automation and system utilisation.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through technology and process enhancements.
• Leverage previous experience across multiple payroll platforms to implement best-practice solutions.
• Experience with HiBob is desirable, although strong experience across multiple payroll systems is essential....