Payroll Transformation Lead

Payroll Transformation Lead
12 month FTC
Hybrid – Hatfield

Why Ocado?

Here at Ocado Logistics it’s our mission to provide an outstanding customer experience for our partners, developing groundbreaking technology, opening multiple sites at an accelerating rate and engaging in exciting new business partnerships around the world — changing the way the world shops, for good.

We are the beating heart of our UK business and comprise a network of cutting-edge warehouses and offices across the country that ensure we optimise the experience and use our proprietary technology across the supply chain to deliver an exceptional shopping experience. At the same time, delivering bags of possibilities for our employees and a career where no two days are ever the same.

About the role

We are looking for a Payroll Transformation Lead to drive the strategic transformation of our payroll operating model as part of the implementation of Oracle Payroll across Ocado Logistics. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will lead the development and delivery of the future payroll roadmap, operating model and change strategy required to transition from an outsourced payroll environment to a high-performing in-house payroll function.

This is a business-critical transformation role where you will bridge the gap between system implementation and operational readiness, ensuring the successful embedding of new payroll processes, governance and capabilities across the organisation. You’ll work closely with Payroll, Finance, Technology, Tax and People teams to deliver a compliant, scalable and future-focused payroll operation that supports a complex workforce of c16,000 colleagues across operational, front-line and head office environments.

Bringing your expertise in payroll transformation and Payroll implementation, you will play a key role in shaping how payroll operates at the heart of one of the UK’s most innovative logistics businesses. This is an exciting opportunity to lead large-scale change, modernise payroll operations and leave a lasting impact across the organisation.

Whilst Oracle Payroll system knowledge would be advantageous, it is not essential. We are primarily looking for someone with strong experience leading large-scale payroll transformation programmes, driving operational change and delivering successful payroll operating model improvements within complex organisations.

What you will do

• Payroll Transformation Leadership: Lead the development and delivery of the payroll transformation roadmap, ensuring successful implementation of the target operating model and transition to an in-house payroll function
• Operating Model Design: Assess current payroll processes, systems and ways of working to design and implement a future-focused Payroll Target Operating Model that supports scalability, compliance and operational excellence
• Change Management: Develop and execute a comprehensive change management strategy that drives readiness, adoption and engagement across all impacted stakeholder groups throughout the transformation journey
• Stakeholder Partnership: Partner closely with Payroll, People, Finance, Technology, Programme and Tax teams to ensure the successful delivery of payroll transformation initiatives and alignment across the business
• Governance & Compliance :Establish robust payroll governance, controls and compliance frameworks, ensuring adherence to HMRC, RTI and UK payroll legislation including Payrolling Benefits, auto-enrolment and National Living Wage requirements
• Capability and Knowledge Transfer: Oversee training, capability development and sustainable knowledge transfer from implementation partners into the business-as-usual payroll team to ensure long-term operational success

About you

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Transformation professional who thrives in fast-paced, operational environments such as Logistics, Retail, FMCG or Manufacturing. 

You will bring deep expertise in payroll transformation, and operational change management, alongside the ability to influence and lead across complex organisations.

• Proven experience leading complex payroll transformation programmes and operating model change
• Strong expertise in end-to-end UK payroll processes, legislation and compliance requirements
• Deep functional understanding of Oracle Payroll ideal,
• Understanding of UK payroll legislation configuration and implementation
• Experience delivering change management initiatives within high-volume operational environments
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
• Familiarity with Time & Attendance systems and payroll integrations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset
• CIPP qualified, or equivalent payroll experience, with change management certification advantageous
• Experience managing payroll complexities within logistics, transportation or 3PL environments is highly desirable

What you can expect to receive in return

At Ocado we believe in a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, so you’ll find a safe and collaborative atmosphere that is as fresh as our produce, as well as an award-winning recognition programme and benefits package that includes a healthy work-life balance, extensive healthcare coverage, competitive salaries and exclusive employee discounts.

Join Ocado Logistics today and become part of a culture that wholeheartedly values and supports your wellbeing throughout every stage of your career.

• Flexible Work: Enjoy 30 days of ‘work from anywhere’ policy for a balanced life
• Wellbeing Support: Access dedicated apps and an Employee Assistance Programme for holistic wellbeing
• Generous Leave: Begin with 25 days, growing to 27 after 5 years, with the option to buy more
• Pension Plan: Secure your future with our pension scheme, featuring up to 7% employer contribution matching
• Private Medical Cover: Rest easy with comprehensive private medical insurance
• Family-Friendly: We support your family with maternity, adoption, shared parental leave and paternity leave
• Financial Aid: Get interest-free train tickets and join our Cycle to Work Scheme
• Shuttle Services: Convenient free shuttle buses connect you to work
• Share Schemes: Join exciting share plans to participate in our success
• Shopping Perks: Enjoy a 15% discount on Ocado.com and savings at popular retailers and restaurants
• Financial Protection: We offer Income Protection and Life Insurance for financial security

Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer and as such makes every effort to ensure that all potential employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, disability or union membership status.
 

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