Job Introduction
Position: Interim Human Resources Payroll Manager, UK and EU
Location: Hoddesdon
Contract type: 12 month Fixed-Term
Start date: February 2026
Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 21,000 employees worldwide across 23 locations in the US, UK and China, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.
We’re proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to biologics and gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.
About the Role
Pharmaron is seeking an Interim Payroll Manager, UK & EU to be based at our Hoddesdon site on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
In this role, you will manage the payroll function ensuring accurate and timely processing across all employees, while ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements, internal controls and company policies. The role holder will oversee day-to-day payroll operations, drive process improvements, and partner closely with HR, Finance and external providers to maintain a high-quality service.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end payroll processing for all employees across UK and Europe
- Support payroll transformation projects, including system upgrade, automation and process design.
- Provide accurate payroll records and reports including but not limited to P45’s, P60’s, P11D’s and gender pay gap.
- Support audits and ensure robust internal controls are in place.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including HMRC, pensions, NI and Internal policies.
- Oversee benefits administration, including pensions, healthcare, share schemes, executive compensation and other employee offerings.
- Provide an efficient query service to employees relating to payroll.
- Supervise and develop the payroll team.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders (HMRC, pension service provider, payroll providers, finance etc.) to ensure accurate data flow and reporting.
- Produce detailed management reports as required by Management. As and when required perform analyses and extract data of value in useful formats to assist decision making.
- Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping information up to date, accurate and confidential at all times.
Candidate Profile
- Bachelor’s degree preferably in Finance, Human Resources, Business, Economics, or any other related field is desirable
- CIPP Qualified or equivalent
- Experience working within Payroll / HR on the Sage 50 Payroll software.
- Significant experience of processing a monthly UK payroll and benefits administration with European payroll experience highly desirable
- Extensive knowledge of all aspects of running payroll; HMRC, SSP, SMP, PAYE, RTI, Pension Processing, etc.
- In-depth knowledge of Employment Law and tax regulations
- Highly accurate with excellent attention-to-detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong working relationships with stakeholders
- Strong planning and organization skills - Ability to multi-task, manage time and accept changing priorities.
Why Pharmaron?
Collaborative Culture: Thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners and collaborators.
How to Apply:
Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!
Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 21,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.