At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll and recruitment teams to enhance employee experience and service delivery.
- Company: One of London's largest local authorities, dedicated to public service and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to digital transformation and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Transform critical HR functions and make a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience, expertise in payroll and recruitment, and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 69641 - 78782 £ per year.
Are you an experienced HR operations leader looking to modernise payroll and recruitment within a forward-thinking local authority?
Our client is one of London's largest and most ambitious local authorities, serving a diverse and vibrant community while delivering hundreds of essential public services that make a real difference to residents' lives.
With an ambitious transformation programme underway, they are committed to becoming a more efficient, digitally enabled and customer-focused organisation, ensuring they continue to attract, develop and retain talented people who are passionate about public service.
They are now looking to appoint a strategic Head of Payroll & Recruitment to lead two critical functions that underpin the employee experience and support the delivery of excellent services across the council.
Reporting to the Director of HR & Workforce Transformation, this is a high-profile leadership role with accountability for Payroll and Recruitment.
You will lead service improvement, digital transformation and operational excellence, ensuring payroll and recruitment services are efficient, compliant and customer-focused while supporting the council's workforce strategy and long-term financial sustainability.
The Head of Payroll & Recruitment is a permanent position paying £69,641 - £78,782 per annum, inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance.
Some of the key responsibilities of the role include
- Leading the Payroll and Recruitment teams, driving high performance, service excellence and continuous improvement across both functions.
- Owning the end-to-end payroll service, ensuring accuracy, compliance and strong governance while modernising systems and processes to improve efficiency and resilience.
- Developing and delivering innovative recruitment strategies that strengthen the council's employer brand, improve attraction and retention, and reduce reliance on agency and interim staff.
- Driving digital transformation across payroll and recruitment, increasing automation, self-service and system integration to enhance the employee and candidate experience.
- Leading workforce planning initiatives alongside senior stakeholders to ensure recruitment activity supports future organisational priorities.
- Managing significant supplier contracts and procurement activity, ensuring strong commercial performance, value for money and effective contract management.
- Providing strategic advice and challenge to senior leaders on operational HR matters, service performance and continuous improvement.
- Ensuring payroll and recruitment services operate in full compliance with statutory requirements, governance standards and organisational policies, while proactively managing risk and performance.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR operations leader with significant expertise in payroll, recruitment and service transformation within a large, complex organisation.
You will have a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, improving operational performance and delivering customer-focused services through innovation and digital transformation.
Experience of managing large contracts, driving workforce planning initiatives and influencing senior stakeholders is essential, alongside a strong understanding of payroll governance, employment legislation and HR best practice.
Experience within local government or the wider public sector would be highly advantageous.
The interview process will consist of two stages, with the final stage taking place in person.
Apply now to join an ambitious organisation where you can transform critical people services and play a key role in shaping the future of a council committed to delivering outstanding services for its communities.
Head of Payroll & Recruitment in London employer: Allen Lane
Allen Lane is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in the heart of London, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth through continuous learning and development opportunities, making it an ideal place for those passionate about leveraging technology in finance. With a commitment to enhancing processes and driving strategic initiatives, Allen Lane offers a rewarding career path for qualified accountants looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll & Recruitment in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Allen Lane!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Allen Lane.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll & Recruitment in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Allen Lane. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Allen Lane and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Allen Lane. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Allen Lane's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen Lane
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Allen Lane.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Allen Lane will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Allen Lane and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
