Senior Payroll Manager

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

Job summary

A regional government body is seeking a Senior Payroll Manager to lead a high-performing team and ensure compliance in payroll services. This role requires substantial experience in managing payroll and pensions, strategic development, and strong leadership capabilities. Benefits include a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and opportunities for professional growth. If you are ready for a challenging and impactful role, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local Government Pension Scheme

26 days annual leave

Staff discount scheme

Access to development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or relevant payroll qualification (CIPP) or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience managing large, complex payroll and pensions functions.
• Proven ability to influence senior decision-makers and develop strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of payroll professionals.
• Provide technical leadership for escalated payroll issues.
• Drive development of policies and processes to ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Payroll management

Strategic development

Compliance knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree-level education

Payroll qualification (CIPP)

Job description

Senior Payroll Manager

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

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• 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. Also entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and the option to buy additional leave each year.
• Staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup.
• Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.

Closing Date: 04/01/2026

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.