Payroll Team Leader

Medway Food Partnership; Chatham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government body in Chatham is seeking a Payroll Team Leader to manage a team responsible for payroll activities. This role involves ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, mentoring staff, and maintaining compliance with payroll legislation. Candidates should have at least 3 years of payroll experience, strong leadership skills, and a knack for problem-solving. If you are passionate about payroll and ready for a leadership challenge, we want to hear from you. Apply today to enhance your career in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years direct payroll processing experience.
• Knowledge of local government terms and conditions.
• Experience in mentoring and supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Payroll and Team Support Officers.
• Ensure all payroll activities are delivered accurately and on time.
• Oversee the planning and execution of each payroll cycle.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Excel skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Minimum of five GCSEs (Grade C or above) or equivalent

Tools

ResourceLink payroll system

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Payroll Team Leader to join our Payroll & Pensions Department. In this role, you will lead and manage a team of Payroll and Team Support Officers, ensuring that all payroll activities are delivered accurately and on time. You will oversee the planning and execution of each payroll cycle, meeting statutory deadlines and maintaining robust controls to minimise risk.

As a Key Member Of The Team, You Will

• Monitor and manage daily payroll processing activities.
• Complete monthly reporting and payment requirements for HMRC, pension providers, and other third parties.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to maximise their potential and build resilience within the team.
• Resolve escalated queries, delivering a professional and helpful customer experience.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll and pensions legislation through continuous professional development.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Minimum of five GCSEs (Grade C or above) or equivalent.
• At least 3 years direct payroll processing experience.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in mentoring and supervising staff.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to problem‑solve payroll and system queries.
• Knowledge of local government terms and conditions and experience with payroll systems such as ResourceLink would be advantageous.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are passionate about payroll, thrive in a leadership role, and want to make a real impact, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join a team that values your expertise and supports your career growth.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Richard Codjoe, Payroll Manager, on 01634 332 217.

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview. Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A. Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

We are seeking a Payroll Team Leader to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Important Information- Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online. Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on howway Council puts good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.