Payroll and Systems Team Leader - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Harlow District Council in Essex is seeking a Payroll & Systems Team Leader to oversee the payroll and HR systems services. You will ensure accurate, timely payroll processing, compliance with legislation, and lead a small team managing the Council's integrated HR/payroll platforms.

You will deliver payroll for staff, pensioners and elected staff, drive system improvements, generate workforce reports and advise on pensions and LGPS.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering an end-to-end payroll service.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and pension managing or supervising staff.
• Experience of payroll systems and process improvement.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills.
• Knowledge of LGPS is desirable.

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.

Skills

End-to-end payroll delivery

Payroll legislation & HMRC

Payroll systems & process improvement

Analytical & organisational skills

LGPS knowledge (desirable)

Education

A-Levels / NVQ3

CIPP qualification

Job description

Payroll and Systems Team Leader - Harlow District Council

Payroll and Systems Team Leader - Harlow District CouncilHarlow District CouncilPermanent, Full Time44,253 - 46,579 per annum, Grade 13Location: HarlowClosing Date: 8th November 2026

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 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.