Interim Head of Payroll

Interim Head of Payroll Services
Location: West Midlands
Day Rate: £450 per day (Inside IR35)
Duration: 2 months

Are you an experienced payroll professional with a deep understanding of NHS pay, pensions, and legislation? We're seeking a highly skilled and motivated Interim Head of Payroll Services to lead a high-performing payroll team supporting over 10,000 staff across multiple NHS organisations through a Shared Services model.

About the Role

You will be the lead payroll specialist, managing the strategic and operational delivery of a comprehensive payroll, pensions, and expenses service. The role is integral to ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, national NHS terms and conditions, and maintaining robust systems and controls.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance, you’ll manage a team of 25 staff and oversee payroll operations across several Trusts. You’ll also work closely with stakeholders on payroll system development and implementation, including ESR and Agenda for Change initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the payroll team to deliver accurate, timely payments and deductions.
• Oversee NHS Pension Scheme administration and provide expert guidance to staff and managers.
• Ensure compliance with payroll-related statutory returns and internal controls.
• Manage service delivery in line with SLAs and performance indicators across partner organisations.
• Support organisational change projects, including system implementations and service redesign.
• Act as the payroll lead on cross-organisational working groups and user forums.

Essential Requirements

• Professional qualification in Payroll or Pensions (e.g. IPPM Diploma or equivalent).
• Significant NHS Payroll experience (minimum 10 years), with specialist knowledge of NHS Pay and Pension schemes.
• Strong working knowledge of ESR, NHS Pensions Online, PRISM/SPS, and relevant payroll systems.
• Experienced in managing staff performance, including attendance, conduct, and capability.
• Proven ability to manage service delivery across multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at all levels.

Desirable

• Project management experience.
• Experience managing payroll in the context of large-scale organisational change.

For further information, please contact John Lavictoire, Director.