At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll and recruitment services, ensuring accuracy and compliance while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Local Authority focused on HR and workforce transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent role, and opportunity for impactful leadership.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and make a real difference in workforce planning.
- Why this job: Shape the future of payroll and recruitment in a dynamic local authority setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management within Local Authorities or with Unit4/Agresso required.
We’re recruiting a Head of Payroll & Recruitment for a Local Authority. This is a newly created permanent leadership role bringing together payroll, recruitment and employee lifecycle services within the council’s HR and workforce transformation function. Reporting to the Director of HR & Workforce Transformation, the postholder will take full accountability for the performance, governance and continuous improvement of both services. You will lead a team of two direct reports and up to nine indirect reports, while working closely with senior leaders across the council to improve workforce planning, strengthen operational control and reduce reliance on agency and interim resource.
The role will include responsibility for:
- leading the end-to-end payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, compliance and effective controls;
- improving payroll resilience, reducing manual intervention and strengthening audit assurance;
- modernising payroll and recruitment systems, including greater automation, integration and self-service;
- leading recruitment from attraction through to onboarding, improving pace, quality and candidate experience;
- supporting services to workforce plan more effectively and convert appropriate temporary resource into permanent appointments;
- managing key supplier relationships, including the Talos recruitment platform and the council’s Matrix temporary labour arrangement;
- overseeing a contingent labour contract associated with approximately £25 million of annual spend;
- improving management information, service standards, governance and value for money across both functions.
The essential requirement is clear. Applicants must have experience of either: running payroll within a Local Authority, or running payroll using Unit4/Agresso. You will also need experience of leading a high-performing HR, payroll, employee services or shared services function, alongside strong knowledge of payroll compliance, service transformation, supplier management and operational improvement. This role will suit an established Head of Payroll, Payroll Services Manager, Head of HR Operations, Head of Employee Services or Shared Services leader looking for a broader and highly visible permanent role.
Salary: £69,641–£78,782
Contract: Permanent
Location: Berkshire
Working pattern: Minimum two days per week on site
Reporting to: Director of HR & Workforce Transformation
For a confidential discussion, please contact me directly.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll & Recruitment in Reading
✨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!
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll & Recruitment in Reading
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 Imperium Resourcing. 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 Imperium Resourcing 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 Imperium Resourcing. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Imperium Resourcing'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 Imperium Resourcing
✨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 Imperium Resourcing.
✨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 Imperium Resourcing 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 Imperium Resourcing and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
