Payroll Manager

Lead a high performing Payroll Service. Drive transformation and resilience. Make a difference.

We are recruiting for a Payroll Team Manager to join our Finance (Improvements, Systems and Transactions) Service.

Are you an experienced Payroll Manager with local government experience and looking for your next challenge?

Do you thrive in a fast paced environment where accuracy, innovation and customer service matter? Are you passionate about using technology to improve processes, developing people and building resilient teams?

If so, we would love to hear from you.

At Tower Hamlets, we are looking for an exceptional Payroll Manager to lead our payroll service where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of payroll delivery for one of London’s most diverse and dynamic local authorities.

Why Join Us?

Award Winning Workplace
Work from our amazing award winning Town Hall, one of London's most impressive civic workplaces.

Excellent Transport Links

Step out of the station cross the road to our offices. We are exceptionally well connected by Underground, DLR, Elizabeth Line, Overground and National Rail services.

Hybrid Working
We offer a flexiible hybrid working model. (Two days in the office).

Be Part of Something Bigger
Report to our Head of Service for Strategic Finance (Improvements, Systems and Transactions). We are at the forefront of culture change, good governance and delivering value for money to the tax payer.

We're looking for someone who:

✅ Has significant experience managing high volume payroll operations in a local government setting

✅ Brings strong technical payroll expertise and knowledge of payroll legislation

✅ Has a genuine passion for continuous improvement and service excellence

✅ Embraces technology and digital solutions to improve efficiency and control

✅ Can build resilience within teams through effective succession planning, training and knowledge sharing

✅ Enjoys working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.

About You

You will have:

• Extensive experience running complex, high volume payroll services

• Experience leading and motivating teams through change

• Strong knowledge of payroll systems and technology

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

• A track record of delivering efficiencies, service improvements and measurable outcomes

• A passion for developing talented people and building high performing, resilient teams

• The ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail under critical payroll deadlines.

Recent knowledge of Resource Link platform is desirable.

Our benefits

• Competitive salary £64,812 to £68,265

• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.

• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.

• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.

• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).

• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

Benefits

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.