Payroll Manager – Local Government Payroll

Diamond Blaque HR Solutions; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid work

Generous leave

LGPS

Learning & development

Wellbeing support

Career progression

Job summary

Diamond Blaque HR Solutions is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations for a major London borough. You will own a high-volume payroll service, manage a skilled team and drive improvements across payroll systems and controls.

You will provide expert payroll and pensions advice, handle complex queries and support payroll modernisation across the organisation, with a focus on accuracy, timeliness and strong stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• CIPP qualification or substantial end-to-end payroll management experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax, pensions and statutory reporting.
• Experience leading payroll teams in a large or complex organisation.
• Oracle Payroll or comparable enterprise payroll system experience.
• Knowledge of Local Government and/or Teachers’ Pension schemes.
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the Payroll team.
• Ensure accurate, timely and compliant monthly payroll delivery.
• Oversee Oracle Payroll processing, HMRC submissions, BACS payments, year-end activity and statutory reporting.
• Manage payroll reconciliations, deductions, overpayments, salary sacrifice and court orders.
• Ensure accurate administration of Local Government and Teachers’ Pension schemes.
• Resolve complex payroll and pension queries, acting as the senior escalation point.
• Improve payroll processes, controls, reporting and automation.
• Build strong relationships with HR, Finance, senior leaders and external providers.

Skills

End-to-end payroll management

UK payroll legislation

Pensions administration

Staff leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPP qualification

Tools

Oracle Payroll

Job description

Lead payroll, pensions and Oracle Payroll delivery for a major London borough. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Payroll Manager to own a high-volume payroll service, manage a skilled team, and drive improvements across payroll systems, controls, and service performance.

bout the Role

You will lead end-to-end payroll operations, provide expert payroll and pensions advice, manage complex queries, strengthen controls and support payroll modernisation across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the Payroll team.
• Ensure accurate, timely and compliant monthly payroll delivery.
• Oversee Oracle Payroll processing, HMRC submissions, BACS payments, year-end activity and statutory reporting.
• Manage payroll reconciliations, deductions, overpayments, salary sacrifice and court orders.
• Ensure accurate administration of Local Government and Teachers’ Pension schemes.
• Resolve complex payroll and pension queries, acting as the senior escalation point.
• Improve payroll processes, controls, reporting and automation.
• Build strong relationships with HR, Finance, senior leaders and external providers.

Essential Criteria

• CIPP qualification or substantial end-to-end payroll management experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax, pensions and statutory reporting.
• Experience leading payroll teams in a large or complex organisation.
• Oracle Payroll or comparable enterprise payroll system experience.
• Knowledge of Local Government and/or Teachers’ Pension schemes.
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Local or central government experience is desirable; wider public sector or complex private sector experience will also be considered.

Why Join Us?

Join a forward-thinking London borough and lead a critical payroll and pensions service with scope to improve processes, reporting and employee experience.

In return, we offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing support.
• Career progression opportunities within a forward-thinking organisation.

Terms and Conditions

This role is subject to satisfactory references, CIFAS identity checks, declaration of interest and continued professional body registration. Applicants must also meet the spoken English requirements for public-facing roles.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.