Head of Payroll - Central Scotland

W&A is proud to be partnering with Solvd. to appoint a Head of Payroll, a pivotal leadership role based in central Glasgow.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing business process outsourcing specialist that delivers high-quality Payroll, Finance, HR, and Customer Experience services across the UK.

About Solvd.

Solvd. helps businesses thrive by removing the stress of complex back-office functions. With an impressive client base spanning rail operators, transport providers, and most recently St Mirren FC, the business has built a reputation for accuracy, agility, and innovation. Solvd. is driven by its values: Dependable, Proactive, Agile and Inclusive - and its people are central to its continued growth and success.

The Opportunity

As Head of Payroll, you will lead Solvd.’s payroll, pensions, and systems operations, overseeing the delivery of multiple client payrolls with exceptional accuracy and efficiency. Sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape the future of the payroll function, champion continuous improvement, and drive business development initiatives to expand Solvd.’s services. This is a high-profile role, giving you significant responsibility and influence across both internal operations and client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a large payroll team, ensuring strong performance and engagement.
• Deliver accurate and compliant payroll services across multiple clients and complex pay structures.
• Oversee payroll systems, processes, and controls, optimising efficiency and minimising risk.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on payroll, pensions, and compliance projects.
• Provide accurate payroll data and insights to senior management.
• Drive new client onboarding and support business development.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement across payroll operations.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven track record managing payroll, pensions, and systems in a large, complex environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Deep technical knowledge of payroll processing, tax compliance, and employment law.
• Success in driving change and embedding best practices.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to compliance.
• Experience of multiple payroll systems; CIPP qualification desirable.

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)
• Permanent role, 37.5 hours per week
• Hybrid working model (c.60% Glasgow office)
• 34 days’ holiday (including public holidays), with the option to buy more
• Private medical insurance
• Competitive pension scheme
• Discretionary rail travel benefit
• Employee Assistance Programme

Why Join Solvd.?

• Influence at a senior leadership level in a growing business with ambitious plans.
• Lead a team of payroll professionals within a people-focused, values-driven culture.
• Play a key role in shaping Solvd.’s reputation as a payroll centre of excellence.
• Join an organisation that invests in its people, with Investors in People Platinum and Investors in Wellbeing Gold recognition.

To learn more or apply, please contact Laura Buchanan Owen at laura@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we’ll be in touch.