At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a complex payroll operation and drive service improvement.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, committed to community support and workforce development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with career progression potential.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in public service with strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in payroll and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 74000 £ per year.
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Job Description
| £77,834 - £85,120 Per Annum | Permanent, Full Time - 37 Hours Per Week | Preston |
International Sponsorship - this role is not open to international sponsorship
Are you ready to lead one of the largest and most complex payroll operations in local government?
Lancashire County Council is seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Service - Payroll to lead our payroll function, delivering high-quality services to the council, schools, and external clients. This is a strategic leadership role with responsibility for service transformation, compliance, and innovation across a diverse and dynamic organisation.
About the Role
As Head of Service, you will:
- Provide strategic direction and leadership to a high-performing payroll team.
- Oversee the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services.
- Drive service improvement and transformation through system development and process re-engineering.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, promoting customer-focused service delivery.
- Represent the council in external forums and lead on benchmarking and innovation.
- Ensure robust governance, data integrity, and adherence to statutory requirements.
About You
We\'re looking for someone with:
- Significant senior management experience in a large and complex payroll function.
- Expert knowledge of payroll legislation and ideally public sector payroll regulations.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Haley Flowers (Haley.Flowers@lancashire.gov.uk) to arrange this.
Interviews will take place w/c 6th October 2025
Why Join Us?
At Lancashire County Council, we are proud to support our communities and our workforce. We offer:
- A competitive salary and generous pension scheme.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- A supportive, collaborative, and values-driven working environment.
Apply now to make a lasting impact in a role that combines strategic leadership, operational excellence, and public service.
Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.
We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Job Description & Person Specification
#J-18808-LjbffrHead of Payroll | Corporate Finance | Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and generous pension scheme alongside a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a strong focus on professional development and career progression, this role provides the opportunity to lead a high-performing payroll team in a dynamic environment, making a meaningful impact on local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll | Corporate Finance | Preston
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
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✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Lancashire County Council.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Lancashire County Council.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll | Corporate Finance | Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Lancashire County Council.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Lancashire County Council. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Lancashire County Council, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Lancashire County Council, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Lancashire County Council could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Lancashire County Council as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
