Slough Borough Council
Head of Payroll & Recruitment
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Head of Payroll & Recruitment
Head of Payroll & Recruitment
Directorate: Corporate Resources
Pay Level: £69,641 - £78,782 (fully inclusive) Contract: Permanent Hours: 37 hours per week Location: Slough Hybrid (minimum 2 days in the office) DBS Requirement: Basic
Closing Date: Midnight, Wednesday 3 July 2026 Interviews: Week commencing 6 July 2026
About the Role
Slough Borough Council is seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking Head of Payroll & Recruitment to lead strategic improvements to two critical functions. This senior leadership opportunity will deliver high-quality, customer-focused services that ensure accurate payroll, efficient recruitment processes, and seamless employee lifecycle management—directly supporting our mission to enhance communities across Slough.
You will take full accountability for payroll, recruitment and employee lifecycle services, driving operational excellence, compliance, and system modernisation. This includes strengthening controls to enhance efficiency, reducing reliance on agency staff, and optimising supplier partnerships, all while fostering collaboration across directorates.
The Council’s Mission: Our goal is to create fulfilling, prosperous lives for residents and protect our environment. Every role contributes—directly or indirectly—to delivering services that people care about. We foster diversity, innovation, and community representation in our workforce.
What’s Expected of You
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership & Accountability
- Oversee end-to-end payroll and recruitment services, ensuring governance, accuracy, and compliance (legal, statutory, and internal standards).
- Manage performance, operational resilience, and cost-efficiency across both teams while driving continuous improvement.
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Payroll Excellence
- Maintain robust controls and risk management processes to prevent fraud, errors, and non-compliance (e.g., auto-enrolment, RTI).
- Lead modernisation to streamline processes, improve usability, and integrate systems for efficiency.
- Monitor third-party providers to deliver cost savings and better service outcomes.
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Recruitment Transformation
- Improve recruitment speed, quality, and grade allocation through systemic reforms (e.g., increasing internal mobility, open recruitment).
- Reduce dependency on agency/short-term staffing to achieve net-zero vacancy costs.
- Draft inclusive recruitment strategies that reflect our diverse workforce and meet organisational needs.
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Workforce Support & Systems
- Oversee HR-related lifecycle services to enhance colleague experience, including retention programmes, onboarding, and offboarding.
- Ensure company policies and procedures (e.g., absence management, BTM1) align with local government obligations.
- Enhance data privacy (GDPR) and ethical practices within recruitment, payroll, and internal HR activities.
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Collaboration & External Relations
- Partner closely with **Senior Leadership, Key Contact Officers, Policy teams, and employee networks to align services with strategic goals.
- Actively engage with trade unions, external bodies, and consultants to uphold best practice.
About You
- Innovation & Forward Thinking: Experience of driving cultural change in payroll/recruitment environments, backed by measurable results.
- Operational Expertise: Deep knowledge of gateway legislation, payroll systems (e.g., Iris, homemade), and workforce planning frameworks.
- Strategic Planning: Ability to translate complex regulations, operational challenges, and budget pressures into practical change plans.
- Collaborative Leadership: Strong relationships with senior stakeholders, colleagues, and third-party providers to deliver transformation.
- Flexibility & Transparency: Committed to hybrid working; open dialogue with employees on inclusivity and employee relations.
- advance: Trackable Success: Experience equivalent to the core skills listed below.
Preferred Technical Skills:
- Establishment records knowledge.
- Experience with industry-standard payroll software (e.g., Iris, Ottimo).
- Working solutions experience.
Core Competencies (Our ‘How We Recruit’ 8 Skills)
What Slough Offers You
Join a supportive team where your input matters, and innovation is encouraged. We value balance as much as ambition:
Competitive Package
- £69,641–£78,782 (spine level SML11 p.a., fully inclusive).
- 26 days annual leave, expanding to 30 days (2–5 years) and 33 days (+5 years).
- Annual increments subject to performance, paid at April (post 6-month probation).
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Wellbeing & Community
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGP scheme).
- Wellbeing trust: Access to mental health programmes, relaxation techniques, and staff networks.
- Childcare support: Tax-free childcare or subsidy schemes; on-site resources where possible.
- Season Tickets Loan to alleviate commuting costs.
Flexibility & Growth
- Fabricating transfer flexibility: Hybrid working encouraged tailoring hours/workload.
- Career development: Training budget and viability to envision your own growth.
Belonging & Equality
- Inclusion advocacy: Actively contribute to staff networks promoting disability, gender, neurodiversity, LGBT+, BAME identity, carers, menopause, and mature workers—all designed to create an environment where everyone thrives.
- Pay transparency and Fair Work: Our second round salary review 2023 confirmed a pay plan remainder above median levels based on skill assessments.
Diversity: We make no assumptions about life choices or backgrounds and value our staff’s experience of the world. Your application is what matters. Under representation and support need?
Contact: Recruitment@slough.gov.uk for tailored advice before applying.
Pre-Employment & Legal Notes
- Right to Work: All candidates must have valid UK employment status. Please confirm sponsorship needs ahead of application.
- DBS: Basic Disclosure required; unsuccessful applicants will be informed if enhanced checks were necessary.
- Safeguarding: Support is mandatory across all roles. A criminal conviction may prevent appointment.
Adjustments & Accessibility
Slough Borough Council is committed to reasonable adjustments. Need:
- Flexibility in interview formats or accessibility (e.g., blind layout, room lighting adjustments)? Contact our Recruitment Team directly Confidentially:
Recruitment@slough.gov.uk Subject: Reasonable Adjustment Assistance
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