Payroll Manager

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Payroll Manager to lead the payroll function for a busy London Local Authority. This is an excellent opportunity to manage a high-performing payroll team and ensure the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services to a diverse workforce.

You will oversee all aspects of payroll operations, ensuring compliance with legislation, HMRC regulations, pension schemes, and internal policies whilst driving continuous improvement across payroll processes.

Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage the end-to-end payroll function for employees across the Authority.

✅ Lead, develop and support the payroll team to ensure a high-quality service is delivered.

✅ Provide effective line management, leadership and development of the Payroll team, including regular 1-1s, appraisals and performance management.

✅ Manage team workloads and resources to ensure payroll deadlines, statutory requirements and service standards are consistently achieved.

✅ Coach, mentor and support team members, identifying training needs and promoting continuous professional development.

✅ Lead on recruitment, induction and employee relations matters, fostering a positive, high-performing and customer-focused team culture.

✅ Ensure payrolls are processed accurately and on time, including monthly salaries, expenses, overtime, allowances and deductions.

✅ Oversee statutory payments and deductions including SSP, SMP, SPP, student loans, attachment of earnings orders and pension contributions.

✅ Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, payroll legislation, National Insurance, PAYE and workplace pension requirements.

✅ Manage pension administration processes, including LGPS contributions and reporting requirements.

✅ Reconcile payroll control accounts and oversee payroll-related financial reporting.

✅ Act as the key point of contact for payroll audits, internal stakeholders and external agencies.

✅ Maintain and develop payroll systems, processes and controls to improve efficiency and service delivery.

✅ Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and employees on payroll-related matters.

✅ Support payroll projects, system upgrades, implementations and legislative changes.

✅ Produce payroll reports, KPIs and management information for senior leadership.

About YouTo be successful in this role, you will have:

✔ Proven payroll management experience within a large, complex organisation.

✔ Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and pension regulations.

✔ Experience managing payroll teams and delivering excellent customer service.

✔ Knowledge of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) administration would be highly desirable.

✔ Experience using integrated payroll and HR systems.

✔ Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.

✔ Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organisation.

What's on Offer?🌟 Flexible and hybrid working arrangements🌟 Generous annual leave entitlement🌟 Local Government Pension Scheme🌟 Professional development opportunities🌟 Employee wellbeing support🌟 Opportunity to make a real impact within a public sector organisation

Apply now if you are an experienced payroll manager looking for your next leadership opportunity within local government. We'd love to hear from you.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)