Job Details
Head of Payroll & Pensions
Lewisham Council | Finance Directorate
Grade: SMG3
Salary offered: £79,629.00
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Payroll & Pensions to lead Lewisham Council’s payroll and pension administration services. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for delivering a modern, customer-focused service for:
• 3,000 Council employees
• 3,000 School employees
• 28,000 pension members (active, deferred and pensioners)
• An annual payroll of £170m+
• An LGPS Pension Fund valued at £1.85bn
You will shape the long-term direction of our payroll and pension services, ensuring excellent service delivery, compliance with all statutory requirements, continuous improvement, and the effective management of a high-performing team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior leader who thrives in a complex, high-profile environment and is passionate about service excellence, innovation and strong governance.
________________________________________
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Council’s payroll and pension administration services, setting vision, standards and performance expectations.
• Contribute to the Finance Leadership Team and support organisation-wide strategic objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and best practice.
Operational Excellence
• Ensure accurate and timely payment of salaries, wages and pensions.
• Oversee payroll and pensions systems including Oracle Cloud and Altair, ensuring data integrity, system updates and effective controls.
• Manage legacy and archived data in line with LGPS regulations.
Compliance & Governance
• Act as the Council’s subject matter expert on payroll and pension legislation, including LGPS Regulations, Pensions Acts, the Public Services Pensions Act and data protection.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory deadlines, HMRC requirements, audit standards and pension scheme regulations.
• Lead the Council’s response to HMRC audits, investigations and pension disputes.
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
• Build strong working relationships with HR, Finance, IT, schools, external partners and suppliers.
• Lead the development and management of the schools payroll SLA and pensions administration for admitted/scheduled bodies.
• Represent Lewisham at Pension Board meetings, the Pension Investment Committee and regional forums.
Pension Fund & Actuarial Work
• Act as the strategic lead for the external actuary relationship, overseeing contract management and re-procurement.
• Lead all administration aspects of the triennial valuation, ensuring high-quality data and robust governance.
• Manage employer admissions, risk assessments, and adherence to LGPS policies.
Team Leadership
• Lead and develop a team of 26 through two direct reports (Payroll Manager and Pensions Manager).
• Promote a culture of accountability, professional growth, inclusion and high performance.
• Ensure ongoing training, technical development and succession planning.
Financial & Strategic Reporting
• Oversee payroll and pensions financial controls, ensuring value for money and strong stewardship.
• Provide accurate data for pension fund accounts, valuation exercises and statutory submissions.
• Advise on early retirements, compensation matters and pension discretions.
________________________________________
What We’re Looking For
Experience
• Extensive senior-level leadership experience in payroll and pensions.
• Strong background in managing services within a large, complex organisation (local government preferred).
• Experience with systems such as Oracle Payroll and Altair.
• Proven track record of delivering performance improvements and high-quality operational service.
Knowledge & Technical Skills
• Deep understanding of LGPS regulations and the legislative framework for pensions.
• Strong financial and analytical skills with experience in complex payroll and pension calculations.
• Knowledge of local government policies, audit requirements and statutory reporting.
• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing public sector organisations.
Leadership & Personal Qualities
• Inspiring and resilient leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organised, strategic and able to balance competing priorities.
• Committed to equality, diversity and excellent customer service.
• Strong integrity, professionalism and a collaborative mindset.
________________________________________
Additional Information
• Ability to attend occasional evening meetings or work flexibly when required.
• Commitment to Lewisham’s values and behaviours, including equality, dignity at work and environmental responsibility.
• DBS check may be required depending on final duties.
