Payroll Manager

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Payroll Manager for our client, a local government organisation based in Waltham Forest, London.

The successful post holder will lead the Payroll and Pensions function, overseeing the accurate, timely and compliant delivery of payroll for approximately 2,600 employees. The role will act as the organisation’s subject matter expert on payroll and pension matters, providing operational leadership while driving service improvements and supporting wider workforce transformation.

The successful candidate will lead and develop the payroll team, manage complex payroll and pension issues, and work closely with HR, Finance, senior stakeholders and external providers to ensure a responsive and customer-focused service.

This role is a permanent contract and hybrid working is available.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Lead and develop the Payroll team, promoting accountability, customer focus and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the end-to-end monthly payroll process through Oracle Payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Manage HMRC submissions, statutory reporting and year-end processes including P60s and P11Ds.
• Oversee Local Government and Teachers’ Pension administration.
• Manage BACS payments, reconciliations, deductions, salary sacrifice arrangements, overpayments and court orders.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex payroll and pension queries.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, taxation, pensions, National Minimum Wage and Living Wage requirements.
• Monitor payroll performance and quality, ensuring a reliable and efficient service.
• Lead payroll improvement and transformation initiatives, including opportunities for automation and process improvement.
• Produce payroll reporting, analysis and management information to support decision-making.
• Build effective relationships with senior stakeholders, external providers and partner organisations.

Personal Requirements:

• CIPP qualification or extensive experience managing an end-to-end payroll function within a large and complex organisation.
• Strong technical knowledge of payroll legislation, taxation, pensions and statutory reporting.
• Significant experience using Oracle Payroll or a comparable enterprise payroll system.
• Experience of leading, coaching and developing payroll teams.
• Knowledge of Local Government and/or Teachers’ Pension schemes.
• Strong analytical, reconciliation and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of leading service improvements, transformation or change initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage complex issues, make informed decisions and work effectively under pressure.
• Experience within local government, public sector or another complex organisation would be desirable.

Pay: £54,267.00 to £57,402.00 per annum

Benefits: Flexible and hybrid working arrangements / Generous annual leave entitlement / Local Government Pension Scheme / Learning and development opportunities / Employee wellbeing support / Career progression opportunities within a forward-thinking organisation.

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.