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- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure accurate payroll for 6,500 employees and pensioners.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a diverse and inclusive employer making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, local government pension, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a measurable impact in a vibrant community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Expert payroll knowledge, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 45200 - 56300 ÂŁ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
As Payroll Team Leader at the London Borough of Lewisham, you’ll make a real, measurable impact by ensuring 6,500 employees, including 1,500 teaching staff and 8,000 pensioners are paid accurately and on time. You’ll lead a skilled team of Senior Payroll Officers, own the payroll run end‑to‑end, and be the go‑to expert for complex calculations and queries. If you thrive on precision, people leadership and improving services, this is your opportunity to shape a high‑performing, customer‑focused payroll function at scale. In this role, you’ll champion compliance and continuous improvement, liaising with HMRC, schools and partner organisations, optimising workflows, and driving down error rates. You’ll balance deadlines with quality, interpret evolving legislation, and strengthen our Service Level Agreements, all while developing your team and supporting an inclusive, diverse workplace.
You’ll lead a dedicated team to deliver accurate, timely payroll for thousands of employees and pensioners, tackling complex calculations and resolving queries with confidence. This is your chance to drive service excellence, shape best practices, and build strong relationships with schools and partner organisations, all while championing compliance and continuous improvement. If you’re ready to make a real difference in a dynamic, people‑focused environment, this is the role for you.
Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
We’re looking for a confident leader with expert payroll knowledge, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with a range of stakeholders. You’ll need excellent organisational abilities, high numeracy and IT proficiency, and a customer‑focused approach. If you’re committed to continuous improvement and thrive in a fast‑paced environment, we want to hear from you.
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Diversity: Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
Payroll Team Leader employer: Lewisham Council
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lewisham Council and its values. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vibrant community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to payroll management and leadership. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your people skills! As a Payroll Team Leader, you'll be leading a team and working with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed teams or resolved conflicts in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences match what they're looking for, so make sure you highlight those in your application!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal and specific to the role of Payroll Team Leader. We recommend addressing each criterion in the person specification to show you’re the perfect fit.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We know you have loads of experience, but try to avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. The easier it is to read, the better your chances!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to complete your application successfully.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge before the interview. Understand the end-to-end payroll process, including complex calculations and compliance with HMRC regulations. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled payroll challenges in the past will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Payroll Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, improved workflows, or resolved conflicts. Highlight your approach to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, as this aligns with the values of the London Borough of Lewisham.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think about situations where you've had to balance deadlines with quality, interpret legislation, or drive continuous improvement. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Prepare to talk about your communication style and how you ensure clarity when dealing with complex payroll queries. This will demonstrate your customer-focused approach and ability to collaborate effectively.
