Head Of Payroll & Pensions

Ackerman Pierce Ltd; Catford; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental authority in Catford seeks an experienced Head of Payroll & Pensions to lead payroll and pension services for over 34,000 members and employees. The role involves ensuring effective administration of a £170m payroll and a £1.85bn pension scheme. As a strategic member of the Leadership Team, you will improve services, manage compliance with legislation, and engage stakeholders. This position requires strong leadership skills and significant experience in payroll management.

Benefits

Supportive and inclusive working culture

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading payroll and/or pension administration services at scale.
• Deep knowledge of LGPS legislation and local government pension administration.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire teams and drive service improvement.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, interpreting complex legislation.
• Experience managing large systems like Oracle Cloud and Altair.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for payroll and pensions activities.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Manage the integrity of payroll systems and ensure compliance.
• Serve as the Council's expert on payroll and pension legislation.
• Oversee employer risk assessments and admission agreements.

Skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Tools

Oracle Cloud

Altair pensions system

Job description

Ackerman Pierce are helping Lewisham Council seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Payroll & Pensions to lead our high‑performing payroll and pension administration services. This is a senior leadership role overseeing payroll and pensions for:

• 3,000 Council employees
• 3,000 School employees
• 28,000 pension scheme members (active, deferred and pensioners)

You will be responsible for ensuring the effective administration of an annual Council payroll exceeding £170m, and overseeing the Lewisham Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) valued at approximately £1.85bn.

As a key member of the Finance Leadership Team, you will shape the strategic direction of payroll and pensions, ensuring services are efficient, compliant, customer‑centred, and continuously improving.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction for all payroll and pensions activity across Lewisham Council, schools and associated employers.
• Lead and develop high‑performing teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and customer focus.
• Manage the development and delivery of payroll and pensions SLAs for schools and external employers.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the integrity and development of the Oracle Cloud payroll system, the Altair pensions system and associated legacy and archive systems.
• Ensure robust controls are in place to prevent fraud, error and data loss.
• Maintain compliance with statutory, financial and LGPS regulatory requirements.
• Ensure effective service delivery to managers, employees and external partners, minimising overpayments and ensuring timely recovery where required.

Expert Advisory Role

• Serve as the Council's principal expert on payroll and pension legislation, including LGPS Regulations, Pensions Acts, Public Services Pensions Act and the Data Protection Act.
• Interpret and implement complex legislative changes, advising senior leaders and updating policies and procedures accordingly.
• Lead on all payroll‑related HMRC matters, including tax returns and responses to audits.

Pension Fund & Employer Management

• Act as strategic lead for engagement with external LGPS Fund Actuaries, including contract management and triennial valuations.
• Support and manage employer participation in the LGPS, including admitted and scheduled bodies.
• Oversee employer risk assessments, admission agreements and the administration of employer responsibilities.
• Represent Lewisham Pensions at relevant boards, committees and external forums.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

• Manage payroll and pension data for statutory reporting, year‑end reconciliations and pension fund accounts.
• Lead on decisions and advice relating to early retirements, discretionary pension powers and compensation matters.
• Serve as the authorised signatory for payroll and pension payments.
• Provide leadership on internal dispute resolution and represent the Council at tribunals where required.

People Leadership

• Recruit, develop and support staff, ensuring the teams have the technical expertise required.
• Promote best practice and maintain strong professional networks.
• Ensure a culture of continuous improvement, inclusivity and high performance.

About You

• Significant experience leading payroll and/or pension administration services at scale.
• Deep knowledge of LGPS legislation and local government pension administration.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire teams and drive service improvement.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex legislation.
• Experience managing large systems (e.g. Oracle Cloud, Altair) and ensuring data integrity.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills.

Why Lewisham Council?

Lewisham Council is committed to delivering high‑quality, customer‑focused services. You will join an organisation that values innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement. We offer:

• A supportive and inclusive working culture
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development
• The chance to make a significant impact on vital public services

How to Apply

If you are a strategic, forward‑thinking payroll and pensions professional looking for a rewarding leadership role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply now or call George Willett.