Why Arup?

Arup's purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.
Unleash your creativity and take your skills to new heights while working on inspiring projects. At Arup, we believe in empowering our people to produce work that sets the bar for quality. Our passionate team shares our values, and that's why they love coming to work every day.

The Opportunity

Help shape the future of Arup’s global payroll!

Arup is embarking on a major global Payroll Transformation Programme to create a simpler, more resilient and scalable payroll solution for our worldwide operations. We’re looking for an exceptional leader to drive this journey.

Reporting to the Group Director of Finance Operations and partnering with the Global Head of Finance Shared Services Centres, you’ll lead an experienced delivery team to design and deliver our global payroll strategy—ensuring it integrates seamlessly with wider people and finance processes.

You will utilise your payroll transformation expertise in the following areas of work:

• Inspiring and guiding a high‑performing specialist project team through a major global transformation
• Designing and delivering a new, centralised global payroll model and policies
• Embedding a strong control framework, risk management and continuous improvement culture
• Building a deep understanding of current processes to drive operational efficiencies
• Providing clear, confident communication to key stakeholders at every stage
• Acting as a subject matter expert for payroll across Arup
• Building trusted relationships with internal teams and external service and system providers

Not ready to apply just yet, or have a few questions? Contact: simon.duckworth@arup.com

Is this role right for you?

We seek global transformation leaders with the following skills and expertise:

Essential:

• Significant experience delivering complex global payroll transformations
• Ability to influence across a global organisation and build strong networks
• Deep understanding of global payroll processes, systems and third‑party providers
• Experience working with global payroll technology and technical teams
• Proven ability to manage large‑scale change and embed new ways of working
• Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capability
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills
• Experience managing risk, issues, and budgets

Desirable:

• Experience in broader business services transformation
• Relevant Payroll qualifications (e.g., CIPP)

What We Offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact simon.duckworth@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/
Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

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