Head of Payroll Pensions

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

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