At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 45200 - 56300 £ 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
Join Kender Primary School in Lewisham, where your role as a SEND Teaching Assistant Apprentice will not only contribute to the development of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities but also immerse you in a vibrant, culturally rich community. With dedicated mentoring, high-quality training, and opportunities for permanent employment, you'll thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment that champions diversity and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Team Leader
✨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!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Lewisham Council!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Lewisham Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Team Leader
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 Lewisham Council. 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 Lewisham Council 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 Lewisham Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Lewisham Council'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 Lewisham Council
✨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 Lewisham Council.
✨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 Lewisham Council 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 Lewisham Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
