Senior Payroll Manager

Lancashire County Council; Preston; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization located in Preston seeks an experienced Senior Payroll Manager to lead their payroll services. The role requires managing a team to deliver high-quality services while ensuring compliance with payroll legislation. Candidates should possess degree-level education, relevant payroll qualifications, and significant experience in payroll management. In return, a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements, and extensive career development opportunities are provided.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local Government Pension Scheme

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Staff discount scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing large, complex payroll and pensions functions.
• Proven ability to influence senior decision-makers and develop strategy.
• Extensive knowledge of payroll legislation to improve services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of payroll professionals.
• Provide technical leadership for complex payroll issues.
• Drive development of policies ensuring compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Payroll expertise

Compliance knowledge

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

Relevant payroll qualification (CIPP)

Job description

Salary £55,612 - £60,147 per annum | Permanent, Full time 37 hours per week | Preston

Are you an experienced payroll professional ready to lead a high-performing team and shape the future of payroll services for Lancashire County Council? We are looking for a strategic, influential leader to take ownership of our Payroll Service, ensuring excellence in delivery and compliance.

As Senior Payroll Manager, you will:

• Lead and inspire a team of payroll professionals to deliver high-quality services to the Council, schools, and external clients.
• Provide technical leadership, acting as the go-to expert for complex or escalated payroll issues.
• Drive the development of policies, processes, and systems to ensure compliance with legislation and best practice.
• Embed a performance culture, managing targets and addressing underperformance effectively.
• Build strong partnerships across the Council and with external stakeholders to deliver cost-effective, valued services.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree-level education or equivalent, plus a relevant payroll qualification (CIPP) or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience managing large, complex payroll and pensions functions.
• Proven ability to influence senior decision-makers, develop strategy, and implement new ways of working.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of motivating teams and delivering results under challenging conditions.
• Extensive knowledge of payroll legislation and the ability to translate this into practical service improvements.

You’ll play a key role in sustaining and improving the reputation of our payroll service, ensuring employees and customers receive the best possible experience.

Closing Date: 04/01/2026

By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you, with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted.

In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, which includes:

• A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which increases with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
• Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
• Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.

Please ensure you upload a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria for the role.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

• Locations County Hall, Preston, PR1 8RE, GB