Head of Payroll & Pensions
| Posting date: | 03 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £79,629 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 January 2026 |
| Location: | Lewisham, South East London |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Neway International Ltd |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | OR18902 |
Summary
Neway International are seeking a Head of Payroll & Pensions (Interim to Permanent) to join our client Lewisham Council.
Location: 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, SE6 4RU
Hours: Full-time (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
Start Date: 02 March 2026 Salary: £79,629 per annum
About the Client
Lewisham Council is one of London’s most diverse boroughs, committed to delivering high-quality services to its residents and workforce. The Strategic HR team within People and Organisation Development plays a vital role in ensuring effective payroll and pensions administration for over 3,000 Council employees, 3,000 school employees, and 28,000 pension members.
The Role
As Head of Payroll & Pensions, you will be the strategic lead for Lewisham Council’s payroll and pensions services. You will oversee an annual payroll exceeding £170m and manage the administration of the Lewisham Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), valued at approximately £1.85bn. This is a senior leadership role requiring expertise in payroll and pensions legislation, systems management, and stakeholder engagement.
You will contribute to the Finance Leadership Team, setting the direction for payroll and pensions services, fostering a high-performing environment, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage payroll and pensions administration teams, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery
Oversee payroll and pensions systems, including Oracle Cloud and Altair, ensuring data integrity and compliance
Act as principal expert on payroll and pensions matters, advising senior management and stakeholders
Ensure compliance with LGPS regulations, pensions legislation, and HMRC requirements
Manage external relationships, including actuaries, outsourced providers, schools, and admitted bodies
Lead on actuarial valuations, contract management, and re-procurements for pension fund services
Provide strategic advice on payroll and pensions tax issues, including HMRC audits and investigations
Represent Lewisham Council at Pension Board, Pension Investment Committee, and external forums
Ensure timely production of statutory returns, audited accounts, and reconciliations
Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and customer-focused service delivery
Candidate Requirements
Significant senior-level experience managing payroll and pensions functions within a complex organisation, preferably local government
Strong knowledge of LGPS regulations and pensions legislation (including LGPS 2013, Transitional Regulations 2014, Pensions Acts 2004/2011, Public Services Pensions Act 2013)
Proven leadership and team development skills, with experience managing large teams
Expertise in payroll and pensions systems (Oracle Payroll, Altair Pension system)
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial management skills
Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to engage with stakeholders at all levels
Relevant degree or professional payroll/pensions qualification (e.g., MCIPPdip) or equivalent experience
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in employment and service delivery
Location: 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, SE6 4RU
Hours: Full-time (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
Start Date: 02 March 2026 Salary: £79,629 per annum
About the Client
Lewisham Council is one of London’s most diverse boroughs, committed to delivering high-quality services to its residents and workforce. The Strategic HR team within People and Organisation Development plays a vital role in ensuring effective payroll and pensions administration for over 3,000 Council employees, 3,000 school employees, and 28,000 pension members.
The Role
As Head of Payroll & Pensions, you will be the strategic lead for Lewisham Council’s payroll and pensions services. You will oversee an annual payroll exceeding £170m and manage the administration of the Lewisham Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), valued at approximately £1.85bn. This is a senior leadership role requiring expertise in payroll and pensions legislation, systems management, and stakeholder engagement.
You will contribute to the Finance Leadership Team, setting the direction for payroll and pensions services, fostering a high-performing environment, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage payroll and pensions administration teams, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery
Oversee payroll and pensions systems, including Oracle Cloud and Altair, ensuring data integrity and compliance
Act as principal expert on payroll and pensions matters, advising senior management and stakeholders
Ensure compliance with LGPS regulations, pensions legislation, and HMRC requirements
Manage external relationships, including actuaries, outsourced providers, schools, and admitted bodies
Lead on actuarial valuations, contract management, and re-procurements for pension fund services
Provide strategic advice on payroll and pensions tax issues, including HMRC audits and investigations
Represent Lewisham Council at Pension Board, Pension Investment Committee, and external forums
Ensure timely production of statutory returns, audited accounts, and reconciliations
Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and customer-focused service delivery
Candidate Requirements
Significant senior-level experience managing payroll and pensions functions within a complex organisation, preferably local government
Strong knowledge of LGPS regulations and pensions legislation (including LGPS 2013, Transitional Regulations 2014, Pensions Acts 2004/2011, Public Services Pensions Act 2013)
Proven leadership and team development skills, with experience managing large teams
Expertise in payroll and pensions systems (Oracle Payroll, Altair Pension system)
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial management skills
Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to engage with stakeholders at all levels
Relevant degree or professional payroll/pensions qualification (e.g., MCIPPdip) or equivalent experience
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in employment and service delivery