Head Of Payroll

  • Positive Employment
  • Aug 10, 2025
Full time HR / Recruitment

Job Description

Are you looking to join a progressive and dynamic local government organisation in Devon? If so, this opportunity might be perfect for you!Positive employment is currently recruiting for a Head of Payroll - The post holder will be responsible for the overall management and performance of the Payroll function for all employees and Members of the Local Authority as well as its maintained schools and external customers.This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by delivering business-focussed payroll solutions that support over 15,000 employees across the organisation, maintained schools and external clients.This role is a 18 month fixed term contract and is Remote Working.Key Responsibilities:

  • Responsibility for Employee Services is shared across the post holder, Head of Recruitment & Retention, and Head of HR Support Services. Collectively they are responsible for budgetmanagement across the service and ensuring that systems and processes are optimised to produce the best results across all teams in the most efficient way. This will include identification, assessment and recording of risks to the Council together with their ongoing management where required.
  • Post holder will be required, both independently and in conjunction with the Head of Recruitment & Retention and/or Head of HR Support Services, to represent Devon Countyin working with suppliers for the procurement and management of high-value contract provision to the Council, including the HR Management System.
  • Post holder will be required to maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the statutory regulations, employment legislation and organisational policies impacting on payroll compliance and wider workforce changes, with the ability to interpret these for directing both technical and practical application across systems and staff. They will work closely with the Finance Tax Compliance team to ensure statutory returns are accurate and meet financial timescales and legal requirements.
  • Responsible for the creation, maintenance and delivery of the payroll services Service Level Agreement used as the basis for the traded service to external organisations as customers of HR One. They are also responsible for income generation through maintaining existing buy back levels as well as securing new business where possible, including leading on tender bids. All external business activity must be conducted in line with corporate and service requirements.
  • Responsible for the operational delivery, strategic development and contract management for the organisation's employee benefits platform (together with associated schemes and suppliers). This will include salary sacrifice schemes, lifestyle savings and other tools to support physical, mental and financial wellbeing. The post holder will monitor uptake, ensure that positive promotion of the schemes boosts engagement and assess impact to provide the best offer possible; contributing to recruitment and retention of staff, whilst securing financial savings for Council sustainability.
Personal Requirements:
  • CIPP management qualified or equivalent qualification in a related discipline, or equivalent suitable experience.
  • Substantial experience of managing and delivering a large, successful and cost effective payroll function.
  • Successfully managing staff including staff development.
  • In depth specialist knowledge of payroll and related employment legislation and its pragmatic application.
  • Extensive experience of interpreting relevant statutory (including HMRC and case law) and organisational requirements.
  • Experience of successful project and/or change management process.
  • Experience of managing challenging financial budgets.
  • Public Sector experience (Desirable).
Working Hours: 8:30 am - 17:00 pm, Monday to FridaySalary: £65,248.00 per annum