Interim Head of Payroll
V49109158

£65,248 Per Annum

Full Time

Temporary

Exeter, Devon

Finance

Posted 2 hours ago

Expires In 29 Days

Job Description

🌟 Interim Head of Payroll
📍 Location: South West / Remote (Hybrid)
💼 Salary: £65,248 per annum
🕒 Contract: Full-time (37 hrs/week) | 18-Month Interim

Are you a strategic payroll leader ready to shape the future of payroll for one of the South West’s largest and most complex employers? Devon County Council is looking for a visionary Head of Payroll to lead transformation, drive innovation, and deliver excellence in service for over 15,000 employees, spanning council departments, maintained schools, and external clients. This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role with real influence – where your expertise will shape strategy, streamline delivery, and ensure compliance at scale. You’ll join our People & Culture Senior Leadership Team, playing a key role in fulfilling our wider People Strategy and organisational vision.
 
👀 What We’re Looking For
We want a results-driven, forward-thinking professional with a strong background in complex, high-volume payroll operations. You will thrive in a strategic leadership role, with the ability to manage change, influence at senior levels, and lead a high-performing team.
✔️ You will bring:
  • A proven track record in leading large payroll teams with multiple pay runs
  • Strategic and operational leadership skills
  • Deep knowledge of payroll legislation including Careers Act, HMRC, and Pensions
  • Expertise in CIPP (or equivalent) payroll qualifications
  • Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
  • The ability to interpret data and trends to drive improvements
  • Experience in delivering payroll for local government or education (desirable)
  • A proactive, collaborative, and commercially aware approach
 
🔧 Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage the end-to-end payroll service for the Council and clients
  • Shape and deliver payroll strategy in line with Devon’s organisational goals
  • Ensure compliance with evolving legislation and internal policies
  • Collaborate with senior officers, elected members, and external partners
  • Maintain and grow traded services, meeting and exceeding SLAs
  • Drive innovation in payroll systems and processes through technology and data
  • Partner with Tax Compliance and HR to maintain regulatory accuracy
  • Identify and implement improvements that enhance user experience and efficiency
💡 Why Join Devon County Council?
We value our people and invest in their wellbeing, growth, and flexibility. In return for your leadership, we offer a benefits package that supports both your professional and personal life:
  • 📅 Generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements
  • ➕ Option to purchase additional leave
  • 🏡 Hybrid working: Exeter office & remote
  • 💰 Entry into the Local Government Pension Scheme
  • 💼 Access to salary sacrifice schemes including EV leasing & tech purchases
  • 💬 Employee Assistance Programme
  • 🛍️ Discounts at over 900 retailers via our employee benefits platform
🚀 Why Apply Through Pertemps?
This is an agency post offered through Pertemps. By joining us, you’ll benefit from:
  • A dedicated consultant with access to nationwide roles
  • A quick and easy registration process
  • Ongoing compliance handled for you
  • Prompt and reliable weekly payroll
  • Referral schemes and other great incentives
 
 
🌍 Ideal for Professionals Based In or Around:
Plymouth, Bournemouth, Bristol, Bath, Southampton, Plymouth, Cardiff, Yeovil, Newport, Poole, Torquay, Paignton, Exeter, Exmouth, Newquay, St Austell, Bodmin, Truro, Falmouth, St Ives, Weymouth, Yeovil, Taunton, Bridgewater, Minehead, Ilfracombe, Barnstable, Bideford, Bude, Launceston and across the South West.
 
💬 Not the right role for you?
We recruit across a wide range of leadership and specialist roles including:
Head of Service | Team Manager | Service Manager | Social Work | HR Leadership | Adult & Children’s Services | Payroll & Finance Leadership
Or refer a friend – we offer generous referral bonuses.
📩 Get in touch today to learn more or apply directly. This is your opportunity to lead change where it matters most.

Vicki Aspinall

Vicki.Aspinall@pprsocialcare.co.uk

07484906671

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Pertemps Professional Recruitment London

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London

Greater London

EC2N 2JA

0203 897 1477

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