Payroll Team Leader

London Borough of Lambeth; Greater London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

London Borough of Lambeth is seeking a Payroll Team Leader to manage a payroll operation for thousands of staff. You will lead 12-team members, ensuring accurate pay for about 3,000 school staff, 3,200 corporate staff and external school staff, while embedding continuous improvements and data-led practices.

The role reports to the Payroll Manager, supports payroll transformation, and requires strong collaboration with HR, Finance and external partners.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a payroll team in a large organisation.
• Strong knowledge of PAYE, National Insurance and pension schemes.
• Experience with payroll reconciliation and year-end processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing payroll team, ensuring timely and accurate payroll delivery.
• Ensure statutory compliance with PAYE, NI and pension schemes.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance and external stakeholders to deliver joined-up payroll services.

Skills

Team leadership

Payroll compliance

Stakeholder collaboration

Process improvement

Tools

Oracle payroll system

Job description

Job Description

Payroll Team Leader

PO5: Starting salary £54,360 pa rising in annual increments to £57,495 per annum incl LW

About Us

Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community. It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council; we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth's communities and residents through delivery of our priorities. With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment. Please have a look at our dedicated One Lambeth Values and Behaviours page.

About the Team

We are a diverse payroll team consisting of 12 members, managing the payroll operations for approximately 3,000 school staff, 3,200 corporate staff, and around 200 external school staff. We work in close collaboration with our internal & external partners and software providers to ensure the smooth function of the Oracle payroll system.

About the Role

As Payroll Team Leader, you will support the delivery of a comprehensive, accurate and customer-focused payroll service, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time in full compliance with legislation, regulations and Council policies. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, you will lead and develop a high-performing payroll team, fostering a positive, inclusive culture and embedding continuous improvement across all payroll operations. The role has a strong operational and strategic focus. You will ensure statutory compliance (including PAYE, National Insurance and multiple pension schemes) and provide support in complex payroll reconciliations and year-end processes, acting as a specialist on payroll matters. You will also work closely with HR, Finance and external stakeholders to deliver joined-up services, support payroll digital transformation, and develop the payroll function as a value-adding, data-led service, including delivering payroll bureau services to schools and external clients.

Contact Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Linda D'Souza at [e-mail].

Recruitment Timelines

Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 27 September 2026.

You will be required to undertake a Cifas check.

Further information about Cifas can be found here.

At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role. For a full list of our accreditations.