International Payroll & Benefits Project Lead - FTC

Job Description
International Payroll & Benefits Project Lead - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Location – Manchester/ Warrington/ Derby with Hybrid working Available

About Us
Rolls‑Royce SMR is here to transform how nuclear energy is delivered—cleaner, faster and at global scale. Our teams are developing one of the world’s most advanced small modular reactors, helping secure affordable, low‑carbon energy for generations to come.
We’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.

Role Purpose

The International Payroll & Benefits Project Lead will lead the design and implementation of payroll and benefits solutions required to support Rolls-Royce SMR's international expansion.
Working with HR, Finance, Procurement, Legal, IT and external providers, the role will deliver payroll and benefits arrangements for new international locations, ensuring compliance with local legislation whilst maintaining a consistent and scalable approach. The role will establish implementation frameworks, governance principles and supplier relationships that support both immediate delivery requirements and future international growth.

What we’ll need you to do

- Lead the implementation of payroll and benefits solutions for new international locations, ensuring readiness for employee onboarding and ongoing operations.

- Develop scalable implementation approaches and governance principles that can be leveraged as additional countries are introduced.

- Assess payroll and benefits delivery requirements in new markets, balancing local compliance obligations with organisational consistency and efficiency.

- Support the evaluation, selection and implementation of payroll and benefits providers where required, working closely with Procurement and key stakeholders.

- Establish effective supplier governance arrangements, including service expectations, performance monitoring and escalation processes.

- Identify and mitigate risks relating to payroll compliance, operational readiness, data quality and supplier delivery.

- Develop standard documentation, processes and guidance to support future international payroll and benefits implementations.

- Payroll and benefits solutions successfully implemented in priority international locations.

- Appropriate providers, governance arrangements and controls established.

- Scalable frameworks and implementation approaches developed for future country expansion.

- Positive stakeholder feedback and confidence in the organisation's ability to support international growth.

What we’re looking for

- Demonstrated ability to develop strategy for international payroll and benefits, in particular in EU.

- Proven track record of shaping outcomes through stakeholder engagement and persuasive communication.

- Experience with vendor management and governance.

- Optimisation and standardisation of processes, policies and procedures.

- Continuous improvement and service delivery.

- CIPD

- Significant experience with stakeholder engagement across operations, finance, people, talent acquisition and senior leadership teams.

Location & Ways of Working
This role can be based in Manchester or Warrington with flexibility to work between home and the office depending on business needs. There may be some travel required on an ad hoc basis.

What’s in It for You

- Salary: £60,000 - £78,750

- £2,200 flexible benefits allowance

- 6x pensionable life assurance

- 50% income protection

- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

- £250 new joiner payment

- Flexible and hybrid working options where business needs allow

Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a competency‑based interview and may be asked to provide evidence of document management capability. This role requires BPSS checks as part of our onboarding process.

Inclusion & Accessibility
We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. If you meet around 75% of the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you. We’re happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and offer flexible or part‑time working where possible.

We are Rolls-Royce SMR
Rolls-Royce SMR is a rare employer because it blends the world-class brand of Rolls Royce with an exciting start-up that has a hugely challenging mission. We’re doing work that contributes to the survival of the planet. Because of our mission, there’s a pace and energy that is palpable, and our leaders draw you in with their passion, energy, and determination.

We’re one of a handful of employers who can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation – our people are here because of what makes them great, and our job is to help them make the best contribution of their careers doing work they love.
The start-up mentality coupled with our strengths-approach to people means there are opportunities to grow in ways and jobs you probably would be barred from doing in more traditional companies.
Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will have the capacity to generate 470MW of low carbon energy, equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes. It will provide consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years, helping to support the roll out of renewable generation and overcome intermittency issues

Pay Range:
£60,000.00 -
£78,750.00
Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

•    A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
•    Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
•    A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

•    Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
•    Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
•    Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check

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