Job Description
Interim Head of Payroll
Location: South West / Remote (Hybrid)
Salary: £65,248 per annum
Contract: Full-time (37 hrs/week) 18-Month Interim
Are you a strategic payroll leader ready to shape the future of payroll for one of the South West's largest and most complex employers?Devon County Council is looking for a visionary Head of Payroll to lead transformation, drive innovation, and deliver excellence in service for over 15,000 employees, spanning council departments, maintained schools, and external clients.This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role with real influence - where your expertise will shape strategy, streamline delivery, and ensure compliance at scale. You'll join our People & Culture Senior Leadership Team, playing a key role in fulfilling our wider People Strategy and organisational vision.
What We're Looking For
We want a results-driven, forward-thinking professional with a strong background in complex, high-volume payroll operations. You will thrive in a strategic leadership role, with the ability to manage change, influence at senior levels, and lead a high-performing team.
️ You will bring:
Key Responsibilities
We value our people and invest in their wellbeing, growth, and flexibility. In return for your leadership, we offer a benefits package that supports both your professional and personal life:
This is an agency post offered through Pertemps. By joining us, you'll benefit from:
Ideal for Professionals Based In or Around:
Plymouth, Bournemouth, Bristol, Bath, Southampton, Plymouth, Cardiff, Yeovil, Newport, Poole, Torquay, Paignton, Exeter, Exmouth, Newquay, St Austell, Bodmin, Truro, Falmouth, St Ives, Weymouth, Yeovil, Taunton, Bridgewater, Minehead, Ilfracombe, Barnstable, Bideford, Bude, Launceston and across the South West.
Not the right role for you?
We recruit across a wide range of leadership and specialist roles including:
Head of Service Team Manager Service Manager Social Work HR Leadership Adult & Children's Services Payroll & Finance Leadership
Or refer a friend - we offer generous referral bonuses.
Get in touch today to learn more or apply directly. This is your opportunity to lead change where it matters most.
Location: South West / Remote (Hybrid)
Salary: £65,248 per annum
Contract: Full-time (37 hrs/week) 18-Month Interim
Are you a strategic payroll leader ready to shape the future of payroll for one of the South West's largest and most complex employers?Devon County Council is looking for a visionary Head of Payroll to lead transformation, drive innovation, and deliver excellence in service for over 15,000 employees, spanning council departments, maintained schools, and external clients.This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role with real influence - where your expertise will shape strategy, streamline delivery, and ensure compliance at scale. You'll join our People & Culture Senior Leadership Team, playing a key role in fulfilling our wider People Strategy and organisational vision.
What We're Looking For
We want a results-driven, forward-thinking professional with a strong background in complex, high-volume payroll operations. You will thrive in a strategic leadership role, with the ability to manage change, influence at senior levels, and lead a high-performing team.
️ You will bring:
- A proven track record in leading large payroll teams with multiple pay runs
- Strategic and operational leadership skills
- Deep knowledge of payroll legislation including Careers Act, HMRC, and Pensions
- Expertise in CIPP (or equivalent) payroll qualifications
- Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
- The ability to interpret data and trends to drive improvements
- Experience in delivering payroll for local government or education (desirable)
- A proactive, collaborative, and commercially aware approach
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the end-to-end payroll service for the Council and clients
- Shape and deliver payroll strategy in line with Devon's organisational goals
- Ensure compliance with evolving legislation and internal policies
- Collaborate with senior officers, elected members, and external partners
- Maintain and grow traded services, meeting and exceeding SLAs
- Drive innovation in payroll systems and processes through technology and data
- Partner with Tax Compliance and HR to maintain regulatory accuracy
- Identify and implement improvements that enhance user experience and efficiency
We value our people and invest in their wellbeing, growth, and flexibility. In return for your leadership, we offer a benefits package that supports both your professional and personal life:
- Generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements
- Option to purchase additional leave
- Hybrid working: Exeter office & remote
- Entry into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to salary sacrifice schemes including EV leasing & tech purchases
- Employee Assistance Programme
- ️ Discounts at over 900 retailers via our employee benefits platform
This is an agency post offered through Pertemps. By joining us, you'll benefit from:
- A dedicated consultant with access to nationwide roles
- A quick and easy registration process
- Ongoing compliance handled for you
- Prompt and reliable weekly payroll
- Referral schemes and other great incentives
Ideal for Professionals Based In or Around:
Plymouth, Bournemouth, Bristol, Bath, Southampton, Plymouth, Cardiff, Yeovil, Newport, Poole, Torquay, Paignton, Exeter, Exmouth, Newquay, St Austell, Bodmin, Truro, Falmouth, St Ives, Weymouth, Yeovil, Taunton, Bridgewater, Minehead, Ilfracombe, Barnstable, Bideford, Bude, Launceston and across the South West.
Not the right role for you?
We recruit across a wide range of leadership and specialist roles including:
Head of Service Team Manager Service Manager Social Work HR Leadership Adult & Children's Services Payroll & Finance Leadership
Or refer a friend - we offer generous referral bonuses.
Get in touch today to learn more or apply directly. This is your opportunity to lead change where it matters most.
About Pertemps