Payroll Manager – Local Government Payroll

Lead payroll, pensions and Oracle Payroll delivery for a major London borough. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Payroll Manager to own a high-volume payroll service, manage a skilled team, and drive improvements across payroll systems, controls, and service performance.

You will lead end-to-end payroll operations, provide expert payroll and pensions advice, manage complex queries, strengthen controls and support payroll modernisation across the organisation.

• Lead, coach and develop the Payroll team.
• Ensure accurate, timely and compliant monthly payroll delivery.
• Oversee Oracle Payroll processing, HMRC submissions, BACS payments, year-end activity and statutory reporting.
• Manage payroll reconciliations, deductions, over payments, salary sacrifice and court orders.
• Ensure accurate administration of Local Government and Teachers’ Pension schemes.
• Resolve complex payroll and pension queries, acting as the senior escalation point.
• Improve payroll processes, controls, reporting and automation.
• Build strong relationships with HR, Finance, senior leaders and external providers.

• CIPP qualification or substantial end-to-end payroll management experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax, pensions and statutory reporting.
• Experience leading payroll teams in a large or complex organisation.
• Oracle Payroll or comparable enterprise payroll system experience.
• Knowledge of Local Government and/or Teachers’ Pension schemes.
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Local or central government experience is desirable; wider public sector or complex private sector experience will also be considered.

Join a forward-thinking London borough and lead a critical payroll and pensions service with scope to improve processes, reporting and employee experience.

In return, we offer:

• 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.

This role is subject to satisfactory references, CIFAS identity checks, declaration of interest and continued professional body registration. Applicants must also meet the spoken English requirements for public-facing roles.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.