At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead improvements in HR Payroll Systems and ensure compliance and efficiency.
- Company: Brighton & Hove Council, committed to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to improving services for the community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on payroll systems while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in payroll legislation and experience with reporting tools like PowerBI.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a skilled lead expert on HR Payroll Systems, responsible for the corporate system that supports payroll and pensions across the Council. Working closely with Payroll and HR Systems teams, you will play a key role in a major improvement programme. You will provide technical leadership, expert oversight, and hands‑on delivery support to keep our HR and payroll systems secure, compliant, resilient and improving.
About the role
Can you help lead the next phase of improvement in our HR and Payroll systems? We are looking for a technically strong, collaborative leader with expertise in payroll legislation and payroll systems (e.g. who can turn programme ambitions into practical, lasting change). Can you lead, motivate, and inspire teams to make improvements? Are you skilled in HR Payroll systems and capable of extracting and analysing complex payroll data to respond to statutory and business requirements?
The programme and our teams
Our multi‑year Corporate Systems Improvement (CSI) programme focuses on improving our HR, Payroll and Finance systems. We want to empower colleagues to enable efficient, effective, future‑ready services through streamlined processes, automation, improved data integrity and expanded self‑service. This depends on reliable systems, high‑quality data and efficient processes and collaboration across multiple teams. You will work across both our Payroll and HR Systems teams, bridging day‑to‑day operational expertise and programme delivery to ensure improvements meet real service needs and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Our payroll service covers schools, external customers, councillors, and internal council staff, with a diverse range of terms and conditions. The Payroll and Pensions team ensures the accurate and timely processing of pay, pensions, and statutory deductions, maintaining compliance with legislation and organisational policies. They provide expert support and guidance to employees and stakeholders on payroll and pension matters and maintain accurate establishment data that supports pay and workforce reporting.
Our HR Systems team manages MHR iTrent day to day, supports users, works with suppliers, and keeps the system operating smoothly. They lead on upgrades, process redesign, testing, reporting, and delivery of new integrations and system changes. They also have a responsibility for delivering ongoing improvements and streamlining business processes so they will be there with you as part of the CSI programme.
A key point of expertise, escalation and improvement
As a subject‑matter expert, you will lead and contribute to CSI projects focused on payroll, pensions, and connected HR processes, shaping solutions that are practical, compliant and sustainable. You will work closely with payroll and HR colleagues, project teams, internal stakeholders and external partners, acting as both a trusted expert and a catalyst for improvement. You will help us review and improve payroll processes, get the best from our systems and data, and support the service to adopt new technologies and more effective ways of working with confidence. The successful applicant will play a key role developing and improving regular and statutory payroll reporting. Strong experience with Business Objects, PowerBI, or similar reporting tools is essential.
Working arrangements
The teams currently work partly from home, with offices in central Hove, just a short walk from the sea. This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping how payroll and HR systems support the Council’s workforce, delivering real and lasting improvement across critical services. If you can maintain high professional standards and enjoy working at a management level in a busy environment, we look forward to hearing from you.
Encouraging a diverse workforce
Our city is known and loved for its diversity. Not only is the mixture of people, culture and skills vital to the economic and social development of the city, it's what makes Brighton & Hove such a great place to live, work and visit. We are committed to developing and retaining a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we serve so we welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. In order to achieve our aims of proportionate representation, we particularly encourage applicants from a BME or White Other background as well as those who identify as disabled, male or trans.
Why work for us?
As a council, we want to: be connected, be confident, be innovative and creative, be diverse and inclusive, be healthy and psychologically safe.
For more information about our values and the benefits of working at the council, visit Why work for us which gives details of our wellbeing support, our benefits including leave and pensions as well as details of our training and development.
Employment details
Starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is less than 37 hours or term‑time only. Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check. We are a workplace that supports flexibility and employee wellbeing in the way we work whilst providing the best service for our customers. Team and service working arrangements are designed to support both employee work life balance and team collaboration. These would be part of your individual working arrangements alongside any personal preference agreed with your manager in advance of joining. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team and travel to and from your contractual location would be at your own expense.
Technical Delivery Manager - HR Payroll Systems in Hove employer: Brighton & Hove City Council
As a leading employer in Brighton & Hove, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our commitment to diversity, coupled with flexible working arrangements and comprehensive training opportunities, ensures that every team member can thrive while contributing to meaningful improvements in our HR and Payroll systems. Join us in shaping the future of public service in a vibrant coastal city known for its rich cultural tapestry.
Contact Details:
Brighton & Hove City Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Delivery Manager - HR Payroll Systems in Hove
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Brighton & Hove City Council and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Delivery Manager - HR Payroll Systems in Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Brighton & Hove City Council. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton & Hove City Council
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Brighton & Hove City Council, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Brighton & Hove City Council uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Brighton & Hove City Council.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Brighton & Hove City Council.