Payroll Manager

London Borough of Tower Hamlets; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking a Payroll Team Manager to lead a high-volume payroll service within its Finance (Improvements, Systems and Transactions) service. The role focuses on accurate service delivery, continuous improvement, and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency.

The successful candidate will drive transformation, build resilient teams, and work closely with stakeholders to deliver measurable outcomes for a diverse London borough.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience running complex, high volume payroll services.
• Experience leading and motivating teams through change.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems and technology.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Track record of delivering efficiencies, service improvements and measurable outcomes.
• Passion for developing talented people and building resilient teams.
• Ability to work with accuracy under critical payroll deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high performing payroll service and manage day-to-day payroll operations.
• Drive transformation and resilience within the payroll function.
• Develop people, build resilient teams through succession planning and training.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve processes and controls.
• Shape the future of payroll delivery through technology and governance.

Skills

High volume payroll

Local government

Continuous improvement

Digital solutions

Succession planning

Stakeholder management

Change management

Payroll systems

Attention to detail

Tools

Resource Link

Job description

About The Role

Lead a high performing Payroll Service. Drive transformation and resilience. Make a difference.

We are recruiting for a Payroll Team Manager to join our Finance (Improvements, Systems and Transactions) Service.

Are you an experienced Payroll Manager with local government experience and looking for your next challenge?

Do you thrive in a fast paced environment where accuracy, innovation and customer service matter? Are you passionate about using technology to improve processes, developing people and building resilient teams?

If so, we would love to hear from you.

At Tower Hamlets, we are looking for an exceptional Payroll Manager to lead our payroll service where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of payroll delivery for one of London's most diverse and dynamic local authorities.

Why Join Us?

Award Winning Workplace

Work from our amazing award winning Town Hall, one of London's most impressive civic workplaces.

Excellent Transport Links

Step out of the station cross the road to our offices. We are exceptionally well connected by Underground, DLR, Elizabeth Line, Overground and National Rail services.

Hybrid Working

We offer a flexiible hybrid working model. (Two days in the office).

Be Part of Something Bigger

Report to our Head of Service for Strategic Finance (Improvements, Systems and Transactions). We are at the forefront of culture change, good governance and delivering value for money to the tax payer.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience managing high volume payroll operations in a local government setting
• Brings strong technical payroll expertise and knowledge of payroll legislation
• Has a genuine passion for continuous improvement and service excellence
• Embraces technology and digital solutions to improve efficiency and control
• Can build resilience within teams through effective succession planning, training and knowledge sharing
• Enjoys working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.

About You

• Extensive experience running complex, high volume payroll services
• Experience leading and motivating teams through change
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems and technology
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• A track record of delivering efficiencies, service improvements and measurable outcomes
• A passion for developing talented people and building high performing, resilient teams
• The ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail under critical payroll deadlines.

Recent knowledge of Resource Link platform is desirable.

Our benefits

• Competitive salary £64,812 to £68,265
• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years' service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
• Flexible and agile working to support work-life balance.
• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

About Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London - a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people's lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace - it's a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values - Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect - we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you'll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London's most important and vibrant places. If you're looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.