Head of Payroll & Pensions

Lewisham Council • Permanent Role

Salary: £79,629 • Hybrid (2 days per week in the office)

We are seeking an experienced Head of Payroll & Pensions to lead the strategic direction, performance, and development of Lewisham Council's payroll and pension services. This is a key leadership role overseeing payroll for around 6,000 employees and pension administration for more than 28,000 scheme members.

As the Head of Payroll & Pensions, you will take full responsibility for the delivery of a compliant, customer-focused and high-performing service. You'll manage the payroll and pensions teams, lead system integrity across Oracle Cloud and Altair, and ensure that all statutory, regulatory, and LGPS requirements are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing payroll and pensions service, ensuring accuracy, compliance and excellent customer experience.
• Provide strategic leadership on all payroll and pension matters, advising senior finance and HR stakeholders.
• Manage and develop payroll and pensions staff, promoting a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the integrity and effective operation of payroll and pension systems, including Oracle Cloud, Altair, and legacy databases.
• Interpret and implement complex payroll and pension legislation, including LGPS Regulations and statutory taxation requirements.
• Lead the administration of LGPS employer relationships, including schools, academies, and admitted bodies.
• Oversee system controls, fraud prevention measures, audit requirements, reconciliations and all statutory reporting.
• Manage relationships with HMRC, actuaries, auditors, schools and external partners.
• Lead on actuarial valuations, employer admission agreements, risk assessments and policy updates.
• Represent Lewisham Council at Pension Board, Pension Investment Committee and relevant forums.
• Act as an authorised signatory for payroll and pension payments.
• Ensure timely, accurate information for pension fund accounting, year-end processes, taxation returns and regulatory submissions.

About You

To succeed as the Head of Payroll & Pensions, you will bring:

• Significant senior-level experience in payroll and pension administration, ideally within local government.
• Expert knowledge of LGPS regulations, payroll legislation, and the wider statutory framework.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with large-scale payroll and pension systems, including Oracle and Altair.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• The ability to work strategically, manage complex workloads and influence at senior levels.
• A strong understanding of audit requirements, financial controls and performance management.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and high professional standards.
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g., MCIPPdip) or equivalent experience.

Requirements

• Eligible to work in the UK
• Minimum 3 years' referenceable work history
• Ability to work 2 days per week in the office
• Commitment to confidentiality, integrity and professional conduct
• Basic DBS Check

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Head of Payroll & Pensions looking for a senior leadership role with impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Phil at Ackerman Pierce

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