Head of Payroll and Pensions

Job Title Head of Payroll and Pensions – Lewisham Council Job Description Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! Lewisham has a rich history of welcoming people from around the world and is proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, championing the rights of refugees and migrants. The payroll service supports the efficient operation of the Council, handling monthly payroll, statutory returns for 6,500 employees (including 1,500 teaching staff) and providing occupational pensions to 8,000 former employees. The function is strategically located in the finance service due to the need to discharge employer responsibilities in a constantly changing legislative environment. The Head of Payroll and Pensions is part of the senior leadership team in the Finance Service, reporting to the Director of Finance. The payroll service has recently undergone restructuring, achieving outcomes such as staff review, flatter management structure, alignment with the pensions service, and improved customer service. What’s the role? As the Head of Payroll and Pensions you will be the strategic lead and responsible for Lewisham Council’s payroll and pensions services. The annual payroll exceeds £170 million and the Lewisham LGPS value is approximately £1.85 billion. You will contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Finance function, setting direction, developing and managing an efficient, effective, and responsive payroll and pensions administration service. You will be the Council’s principal expert on all payroll and pension matters, advising senior management and stakeholders on payroll and pension issues, and identifying the impact of national imperatives and legislation developments. Responsibilities Lead the payroll and pensions service as a member of the Finance Leadership team. Develop and manage an efficient, effective, and responsive payroll and pensions administration service. Provide strategic direction and vision for payroll and pensions. Serve as the Council’s principal expert on payroll and pension related matters. Advise senior management and stakeholders on payroll and pension issues and legislative developments. What We’re Looking For As the Head of Payroll and Pensions you will be a confident, experienced and suitably qualified professional, able to utilise your detailed and extensive knowledge of the complex legislative and regulatory environment governing payroll and pensions and ensure the service delivers to a consistently high standard. You will be a strong and highly motivated leader and team player with energy and credibility who commands the confidence of members, senior managers, staff, business partners and stakeholders. Key Qualities Ambitious, driven and energetic. Visible, approachable and accessible. Resilient, determined and confident. Outward facing. Location The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU, with a hybrid approach requiring regular office and home working. Special Conditions The recruitment process is anonymous and CVs are not accepted. Please read the applicant handbook and ensure your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria. Salary £79,629 – £86,121 per annum (SMG3). All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof. Diversity Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications of all abilities. Reasonable adjustments are available in the application or interview process. Seniority Level Director Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Human Resources – Government Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr