Service and System Improvement Adviser

Staffordshire County Council; Stafford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffordshire County Council is seeking a Service & System Improvement Adviser to support HR/payroll systems and processes. Based in Stafford with a hybrid model, the role focuses on configuring the new Oracle ERP, improving data readiness, and delivering efficient HR services.

You will work with the People Services Team to test, document, and train users, while resolving complex HR system queries and supporting process improvements. Interviews planned for late September 2026.

Qualifications

• HR/payroll systems experience in a HR/payroll environment.
• Strong data analysis and Excel skills.
• Ability to provide clear advisory advice on pay and HR matters.
• Experience supporting HR processes, system implementations or improvements.
• Process mapping and re-engineering to drive efficiency.
• Proven analytical thinking and ability to identify root causes.

Responsibilities

• Support digital transformation and ERP upgrades, including testing and user guides.
• Data validation and readiness for the new ERP system.
• Investigate and resolve HR/payroll queries with data-driven solutions.
• Ensure HR systems and processes are efficient and service-oriented.
• Serve as the go-to HR systems expert and liaison with the system provider.
• Collaborate with payroll provider and People Services Team to ensure data accuracy.

Skills

HR/payroll systems

Data analysis

Excel

Advisory skills

Process mapping

Visio

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication

Tools

Visio

Job description

Are you passionate about improving HR systems and delivering outstanding service? We're looking for someone to play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting our HR systems and processes.

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to support our People Services Team to implement and update new and existing HR systems and processes. You'll be joining us at a pivotal time as we commence the configuration of our new Oracle ERP system.

This a fixed term contract for 12 months to provide additional resources to the team supporting our current payroll and HR systems and also support with new system configuration and HR processes.

This role is based in Stafford and operates within a hybrid working model. A minimum of two office-based days per week is required, however there may be the requirement for additional office days during peak times.

Main Responsibilities

As a Service & System Improvement Adviser, you will:

• Support digital transformation - Contribute to current payroll system upgrades and support with the implementation of our new ERP solution, including testing, and developing user guides and training materials.
• Data Analysis - data validation and analysis to ensure our current data is accurate, including data readiness for our new ERP system.
• Solve complex problems - Use your analytical skills to investigate and resolve HR, system and pay related queries by exploring data, processes, and systems to identify root causes and deliver effective solutions.
• Support on process improvement - Ensure our HR systems and processes are efficient, streamlined, and deliver excellent service to our customers.
• Be our HR systems expert - Act as the go‑to person for complex HR system queries, working closely with our system provider to resolve issues.
• Collaborate across teams - Work closely with our payroll provider and People Services Team to ensure data accuracy and seamless processes.

The Ideal Candidate

You will need:

• HR and Payroll Systems Experience - Proven experience working within a HR/payroll environment, with hands‑on experience of using HR and payroll IT systems.
• Digital Confidence & Data Analysis Skills - Strong computer literacy skills, knowledge of HR/payroll systems and ability to manipulate data effectively using Microsoft excel.
• Advisory Skills - Ability to provide clear, informed advice on pay and HR matters (including HR system queries), identifying potential risks and offering practical solutions.
• Project and Process Expertise - Experience supporting HR processes, system implementations, or improvement projects, including system testing.
• Process Mapping Skills - Proficiency in process mapping (e.g., using Visio) and re‑engineering to drive efficiency and improvement.
• Analytical Thinking - Experience conducting research, reviewing local government terms and conditions/HR legislation, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing new or revised HR processes.
• Communication and Influence - Skilled in engaging with internal stakeholders, presenting information clearly in various formats to influence and inform.

For further information about this role please contact Karen Till, Service & Systems Improvement Manager - [e-mail].

Interviews are anticipated to take place week commencing 28th September 2026.

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you'll bring to the role.

Please note: The minimum criteria in the ideal candidate section detailed above will be used if you are applying under one of our Interview Guarantee Schemes, detailed below.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

Our benefits:

• We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
• In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer.

We encourage applications from all background and communities.

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as yourapplication meets the minimum criteria for the post.