Head of Payroll Pensions

Permanent role with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• The Head of Payroll and Pensions is the strategic lead for Lewisham Council’s payroll and pensions services, covering approximately 3,000 Council employees, 3,000 school employees, and 28,000 pension members.

• The role is responsible for the annual payroll of over £170m and the Lewisham LGPS valued at circa £1.85bn.

• This senior leadership position oversees compliance with statutory requirements, system integrity, and the delivery of high-quality, efficient payroll and pension administration.

• The postholder also acts as the principal expert, advising senior management and stakeholders on payroll and pension matters, legislative changes, and strategic initiatives.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Lead and manage Lewisham Council’s payroll and pensions services, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.

• Oversee payroll and pensions systems, including Oracle Cloud and Altair, ensuring integrity, updates, and control systems.

• Provide expert advice on LGPS regulations, pensions legislation, payroll law, and taxation matters.

• Develop and manage performance, resource allocation, and staff within payroll and pensions teams.

• Lead on the engagement and management of external LGPS actuaries, including triennial valuations and contract management.

• Maintain relationships with schools, external service providers, and other stakeholders; manage SLAs and cost recovery.

• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including HMRC submissions and pension fund accounts.

• Advise the Council’s Early Retirement Panel and Executive Director on compensation and pension discretions.

• Represent the Council in Pension Fund Officer forums, Pension Board, Pension Investment Committee, tribunals, and audits.

• Promote best practice, equality, and professional development within the team.

Skills/Experience:

• Extensive senior-level experience managing payroll and pensions functions, preferably in local government.

• Strong knowledge of LGPS regulations, pensions administration, payroll law, and UK tax legislation.

• Expertise in payroll and pension software systems (Oracle Payroll, Altair Pension system).

• Proven leadership and team development skills; ability to motivate and manage staff effectively.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and numeracy skills for complex payroll and pension calculations.

• Experience in audit compliance, performance improvement, and implementing effective control systems.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills with stakeholders at all levels.

• Ability to act strategically while translating objectives into operational deliverables.

• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive working practices.

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 17/12/2025.

• Reports to the Executive Director of Finance; part of the Finance Leadership Team.

• Manages 2 fully direct reports (Payroll Manager, Pensions Manager) and partially oversees additional staff (total team 26).

• Requires flexibility for occasional evening meetings and work beyond standard hours.

• Must be eligible to work in the UK; DBS disclosure may be required.