Team Leader - Payroll

Introduction to the Department

The Payroll Team forms part of the Finance function within West Midlands Police and is responsible for delivering accurate, timely and compliant payroll services to officers, staff and other eligible employees. The team manages all aspects of payroll administration, including salaries, overtime, allowances, pensions, statutory payments, deductions, expenses and year-end payroll activities.

The department plays a critical role in supporting the organisation by ensuring employees are paid correctly and that all payroll activity complies with HMRC legislation, pension regulations, audit requirements and organisational policies. Working closely with internal stakeholders, pension providers, HR and external agencies, the team is committed to delivering a professional, customer-focused and efficient service.

The culture of the team is based on integrity, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Team members are encouraged to share knowledge, support one another and actively contribute to service enhancements that improve employee experience and strengthen payroll governance.

About the Role

The Payroll Team Leader plays a key role in the day-to-day operational delivery of payroll services for West Midlands Police. Reporting to the Payroll Managers, the post holder provides leadership, technical expertise and operational support to ensure payroll processes are delivered accurately, efficiently and in accordance with statutory requirements.

The role exists to coordinate payroll activities, support and develop Payroll Officers, monitor workloads and ensure key deadlines are achieved. Acting as a subject matter expert on payroll legislation, systems and procedures, the successful candidate will help resolve complex payroll matters, maintain service standards and drive continuous improvement across the payroll function.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to make a significant impact by supporting a high-performing payroll team, improving processes and ensuring a reliable payroll service for the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the day-to-day delivery of payroll services, ensuring payroll transactions are processed accurately, compliantly and within agreed timescales.

Provide operational leadership, technical guidance and mentoring to Payroll Officers, supporting workload management, training and the resolution of complex payroll issues.

Monitor payroll workflows, deadlines, overpayments, service requests and employee expense claims to ensure service standards are achieved and risks are proactively managed.

Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pension regulations, audit standards and organisational policies, maintaining robust governance and controls.

Drive continuous improvement by analysing performance data, identifying process enhancements, producing management information and supporting system, procedural and service transformation initiatives.

Full Role Details

Click here to view the full details of the role, including the Essential Criteria, Desirable Criteria and any educational requirements for the role.

Salary and Hours

Salary: Grade 5 (£32,613.00 - £37,020.00)

Hours: This is a full-time position working between core hours of 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday. The role is hybrid working 4 days on-site at Lloyd House and 1 day at home.

Selection Process

Online Application and Sift - You will complete an online application form, which will be reviewed against the skills, experience and behaviours required for the role.

Closing Date: Thursday 5th November 2026 at 23:55 hours

Assessment/ Interview - Candidates who successfully pass the application stage will be invited to attend an interview /assessment. This will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Proposed date: TBC

Pre-Employment Checks - If you are selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to successfully complete relevant pre-employment checks before receiving a formal offer. For internal candidates, some checks may not be required. Checks may include:

Vetting Checks - You must successfully complete the required level of Management vetting and Counter Terrorism clearance before starting the role. This may include providing information relating to your background and financial history as part of the vetting process. Click here for more information

Medical Checks - Appointment to this role is subject to successfully completing medical checks. This may include a drugs test and, where required, a fitness assessment.

Reference Checks - You will need to provide details covering at least five years of employment, education or other relevant activity history.

We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process and reasonable adjustments are available for those who need them.