Head of Payroll & Recruitment

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; Slough; On-site; GBP 69,641 - 78,782; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working arrangements

Flexible working patterns

29 days annual leave (inclusive of BH)

Job summary

Slough Borough Council is seeking a Head of Payroll & Recruitment to lead payroll, recruitment and employee lifecycle services, delivering accurate, responsive and customer-focused outcomes for the council workforce.

You will provide visible leadership to a specialist team, work with senior stakeholders, and drive changes to improve efficiency, resilience and value for money while supporting flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in payroll, recruitment or HR operations.
• Proven ability to drive performance, governance and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll, recruitment and employee lifecycle services with full accountability.
• Lead a specialist team and collaborate with senior stakeholders.
• Drive system modernisation, improve recruitment pace and quality, and reduce agency reliance.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Governance

Change management

Job description

Slough Borough Council is looking for an ambitious and forward-thinking Head of Payroll & Recruitment to lead two critical services at the heart of our organisation. This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape how we attract, recruit, pay and support our workforce, ensuring that colleagues across the Council receive accurate, responsive and customer-focused services that enable them to deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities.

You will take full accountability for the performance, governance and continuous improvement of payroll, recruitment and employee lifecycle services, providing visible leadership to a specialist team and working closely with senior stakeholders across the Council. From strengthening payroll controls and ensuring statutory compliance, to modernising systems, improving recruitment pace and quality, reducing reliance on agency and interim staffing, and managing key supplier contracts, you will drive practical change that improves efficiency, resilience and value for money.

Our Council:

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and our environment, and we would love you to join us in our mission! All of our employees, whatever their job, contribute to delivering services to local people – either directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and are continuously striving for our residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous, and healthy lives.

What we offer:

We offer a supportive place to grow and develop your career with a real opportunity for your input to be valued and heard. Ambition and innovation will be required now more than ever, and you will join a friendly and collaborative environment where you are encouraged to thrive.

We understand that everyone has different needs and circumstances. That’s why we’re committed to offering flexible and hybrid working arrangements that help you achieve the best work-life balance and accommodate different working patterns. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We select staff on merit and foster a workforce where people are valued and represent the local communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1st April each year, subject to six months service in the post, until the maximum spinal column point of the level has been reached. The payment of annual increments is not automatic and is subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by your director.

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide:

• 26 days annual leave (not including Bank holidays), rising to 30 days between 2 – 5 years’ service and 33 days after 5 years’ service.
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Ability to engage with wellbeing initiatives and the opportunity to be a member of our various employee networks, which are key to ensuring we celebrate and promote equality.
• Tax-free childcare and childcare services
• Season loan ticket – to help with the cost of your rail / bus journey to andfrom work.

Accessibility and Support:

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. We are keen to support you to feel comfortable throughout the application and interview process. Therefore, if you require any support throughout the application process or reasonable adjustments for the interview (e.g. questions being printed on the day or consideration for layout or lighting for the interview room), please contact our Recruitment Team who will be able to assist: [e-mail].

This information will be treated confidentially and used solely to ensure we provide appropriate support throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Slough Borough Council offers a variety of staff networks for you to be part of. Networks represent our diverse staff groups and come together to help the organisation be a place where our people can feel included and thrive.

Follow the link HERE to learn more.

Right to Work and Checks:

All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please contact [e-mail] before submitting an application.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If appointed, all posts will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

Company: Slough Borough Council

Salary: SML11, £69,641 – £78,782

Location: Slough, Berkshire

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Corporate Management Team

Job Role: Head of Service