Human Resources Information System Specialist

Interim Workday Payroll Specialist

3 month contract

Outside IR35

Our client, a leading organisation within the manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Workday Payroll Specialist to join their HR & Payroll function. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who thrives in a practical, fast-paced environment and enjoys working across both operational and project-based activities.

About the Role

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of their end-to-end payroll processes. They will work closely with HR, Finance, and operational teams to support continuous improvement, deliver system enhancements, and drive payroll excellence across the business.

This position requires someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves—diving into complex issues, supporting testing cycles, and managing configuration updates while maintaining a solutions-focused mindset.

What You'll Do

• Deliver end-to-end Workday payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution for our client.
• Lead and support Workday payroll testing, including regression testing, UAT, parallel runs, and system updates.
• Partner with project teams on Workday enhancement initiatives, payroll integrations, and workflow improvements.
• Troubleshoot payroll issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain payroll controls, documentation, and audit requirements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Manufacturing, HR, and Finance to streamline processes and support business needs.
• Provide Workday expertise across configuration, reporting, and optimisation activities.

What Our Client Is Looking For

• Proven experience in a Workday payroll role—ideally within a medium or large organisation.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end UK payroll processes (international experience a bonus).
• Confidence working with payroll testing cycles and project-related system improvements.
• A proactive, hands-on problem solver with the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively.
• Comfortable operating in a manufacturing or similarly fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Why Join Them?

• Opportunity to be the go-to Workday payroll expert in a growing, modernising organisation.
• Involvement in meaningful system enhancement and transformation work.
• Supportive team culture with genuine autonomy and ownership.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.