Head Of Payroll & Pensions

Sheer Jobs Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a strategic leader for Payroll and Pensions services in Greater London. The role involves overseeing payroll for 6,000 employees and managing over £170m in annual payroll. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with LGPS regulations, advising senior management on complex legislation, and leading a high-performing team. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in payroll and pensions administration, particularly in the public sector. This is a unique opportunity to impact thousands of employees and pensioners.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior experience in payroll and/or pensions administration, ideally within the public sector.
• In‑depth knowledge of LGPS legislation, payroll regulations, and pensions administration.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for payroll and pensions services.
• Oversee payroll and pension systems ensuring data integrity.
• Advise on legislation and tax compliance.
• Manage relationships with external providers and actuaries.
• Lead and develop a high-performing customer-focused team.
• Ensure accurate reporting and adherence to statutory deadlines.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Team development

Problem-solving

Communication

Innovation

Tools

Oracle Cloud

Altair

Job description

Job Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to head their Payroll and Pensions service. This senior role will be responsible for delivering high-quality, compliant payroll and pension administration for approximately 6,000 employees and 28,000 pension scheme members, including active, deferred, and retired members. The organisation's annual payroll exceeds £170m, and the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund is valued at around £1.85bn.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the payroll and pensions services, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with statutory and LGPS regulations.
• Oversee payroll and pension systems, including Oracle Cloud and Altair, ensuring data integrity and robust controls.
• Advise senior management on complex legislation, pension administration, and tax compliance.
• Manage relationships with external providers, pension fund actuaries, and admitted/scheduled bodies.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing, customer-focused team.
• Ensure accurate reporting, financial control, and adherence to statutory deadlines, including triennial valuations.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive senior experience in payroll and/or pensions administration, ideally within the public sector.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and team development skills.
• In‑depth knowledge of LGPS legislation, payroll regulations, and pensions administration.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication abilities.
• A proactive approach, with a focus on innovation, service improvement, and inclusive leadership.

Why Apply

This is a unique opportunity to lead a critical function impacting thousands of employees and pensioners, shaping the strategic direction of payroll and pensions within a major public sector organisation.