Head of Payroll and Pensions
Local Authority - Hybrid Working

A Local Authority in South East London are seeking an experienced Head of Payroll and Pensions to provide strategic leadership across its payroll and LGPS pensions services. This senior role requires strong Local Government experience and in-depth expertise in payroll and pension administration, with a particular focus on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

The postholder will sit within the Finance Leadership Team, leading complex payroll and pensions functions and acting as the Council's principal adviser on payroll, pensions, and related legislation.

What's on offer

• Salary: £79,629.00
• Hybrid working (2 Days in Office)
• Full-time/Permanent

About the role

As Head of Payroll and Pensions, you will hold strategic responsibility for the delivery of payroll services for approximately 6,000 employees and the administration of an LGPS fund serving over 28,000 members.

You will provide authoritative advice to senior leaders on complex payroll and pensions legislation, ensure statutory compliance, maintain system and data integrity, and drive service improvement across payroll and pension administration.

You will lead and develop high-performing payroll and pensions teams, oversee critical systems including Oracle Cloud Payroll and Altair, and manage relationships with external actuaries, HMRC, auditors, schools, and admitted bodies.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the strategic lead for payroll and pensions services, ensuring compliance with all statutory and LGPS legislative requirements.
• Provide expert advice to senior management and stakeholders on payroll, pensions, taxation, and regulatory change.
• Lead, manage and develop payroll and pensions teams, embedding a high-performance, customer-focused culture.
• Oversee the integrity, governance and development of payroll and pension systems, including Oracle Cloud Payroll and Altair.
• Manage relationships with LGPS actuaries, including triennial valuations and contract management.
• Ensure robust financial controls, data security, and fraud prevention measures are in place.
• Lead on HMRC reporting, pension tax returns, audits and investigations.
• Support schools and admitted bodies through effective SLA management and stakeholder engagement.
• Drive continuous improvement, service modernisation and compliance across payroll and pensions operations.

About you

Essential Experience

• Extensive senior-level experience managing payroll and pensions within a Local Authority - non-negotiable.
• In-depth knowledge of LGPS regulations and pension administration.
• Proven experience leading large, complex payroll and pensions services.
• Strong understanding of statutory compliance, audit, and governance frameworks.
• Experience working with payroll and pension systems such as Oracle Payroll and Altair.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, management and people development capability.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in complex legislative environments.
• Ability to communicate complex payroll and pension matters clearly to non-specialists.
• Politically astute, resilient, and confident operating at senior leadership level.
• Proactive, improvement-focused and highly organised.

Why this role matters

Payroll and pensions are mission-critical services within the Council. Your leadership will ensure accuracy, compliance, financial control and confidence across the organisation, supporting employees, pension members and senior stakeholders during a period of ongoing regulatory and operational complexity.

How to apply

Please submit your CV along with your required day rate.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted..

Here at Spencer Clarke Group, we also offer a £300 referral bonus. If you know someone who may be suitable, please ask them to email their CV, ensuring your details are included.