Working hours: 37.5 hours per week (banking 30 minutes per week to be used towards the shut down between Christmas and the New Year)

Harlow Council is seeking an experienced Payroll & Systems Team Leader to lead the delivery of payroll and HR systems services. The role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining compliance with legislative requirements, leading a small team, and overseeing the development and administration of the Council's integrated HR and payroll systems.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and supervise the Payroll Team, ensuring payroll deadlines are met.
Manage the accurate processing of payrolls for employees, pensioners, councillors and election staff.
Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, statutory payments and year-end processes.
Act as the key contact for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Lead on payroll audit compliance and data accuracy.
Manage and develop HR and payroll systems, including system improvements and upgrades.
Produce payroll and workforce reports and provide expert advice on payroll, pensions and systems.

About You

Significant experience delivering an end-to-end payroll service.
Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and pension administration.
Experience managing or supervising staff.
Experience of payroll systems and process improvement.
Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills.
Educated to A-Level, NVQ3 or equivalent, with a CIPP qualification or relevant experience. Knowledge of local government payroll and LGPS is desirable.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to take a leadership role within our HR & Organisational Development team, driving service improvement and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality payroll and systems service. We are committed to supporting professional development and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Paul Smith, Director HR & Organisational Development, on 01279 446070.

Harlow Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.We offer flexibility with purpose through our Dynamic Working approach. While office-based work is the norm, most full-time employees attend the workplace four days per week (pro rata).

We also support a range of flexible arrangements to help balance work and personal life and provide health and wellbeing initiatives and an employee assistance programme.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the Essential Criteria on the Employee Profile.