Interim Head of Payroll

🌟 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.