Location: Lewisham, London
Salary: £63,816 per annum
Employment: Permanent | Minimum 3 days/week in office
Lewisham is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and manage the payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of salaries and pensions for over 6,500 employees and 8,000 pensioners. This is a senior role offering the opportunity to shape payroll operations in a complex local government environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, motivate, and develop the payroll team.
* Ensure accurate and timely processing of salaries and pensions.
* Interpret and apply complex payroll legislation (HMRC, pensions, local agreements).
* Manage audits, compliance checks, and overpayment recovery.
* Provide expert advice to senior management, schools, and external agencies.
* Oversee payroll budgets, cost control, and financial reporting.
* Negotiate contracts and service level agreements to ensure value for money.
* Implement payroll improvements, systems, and new technology.
* Handle complex casework, tribunals, and stakeholder inquiries.
* Ensure GDPR, data protection, health & safety, and equality compliance.
Person Specification
* Extensive payroll management experience in a large organisation.
* Strong knowledge of HMRC legislation, pensions, and local government terms.
* Proven team leadership and staff development skills.
* Experience managing payroll budgets and identifying savings.
* Excellent organisational, IT, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
* Calm, professional, flexible, and adaptable.
* Relevant degree or professional payroll qualification (or equivalent experience).
Why Join Us?
* Play a key role in a large, dynamic local government payroll function.
* Work in a collaborative, supportive, and diverse environment.
* Make a real impact on financial compliance and service delivery.
To apply: Submit your CV and covering letter addressing the person specification
Salary description
£63816.00 - £63816.00 per year