Deputy Payroll & Pensions Manager

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

Job introduction

We are looking for a proactive, detailed-oriented and enthusiastic candidate to join our finance service as a Deputy Payroll and Pensions Manager. This is as full time role based at the Civic Offices with some hybrid working depending on business needs. Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week required, however during the handover period there would be a requirement to be office based full time.

Your new role

Reporting to the Payroll and Pension Manager and part of the Financial Service's Team, you will assist in leading a section comprising 10 staff, ensuring that effective internal and external customer relationships are maintained and that the operational activities of the Payroll and Pensions Section are supported by efficient systems and transactional processes.

Key responsibilities include overseeing end-to-end payroll processing, including starters, leavers, and statutory deductions. Ensuring compliance with payroll legislation and pension scheme requirements (e.g. LGPS, TPS).

Maintaining payroll systems and support data integrity and GDPR compliance. Providing expert advice and guidance on payroll matters to staff and managers.

The post holder will proactively engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that the service is delivered to exacting standards.

Who is the person?

The ideal candidate holds a nationally recognised payroll qualification and demonstrates a strong commitment to ongoing professional development. They bring proven success in managing large-scale payroll and pension operations, with in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, HMRC tax regulations, and transactional processes. Their experience includes implementing process efficiencies and system upgrades, supported by high-level IT skills. They possess excellent verbal and written communication abilities, capable of producing high-quality reports and managing complex stakeholder relationships. With extensive experience in customer-facing roles, both internal and external, they approach their work with positivity, proactivity, enthusiasm, and sound judgement.

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offerhybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office required, however during the handover period there would be a requirement to be office based full time, please ensure you can fulfil this prior to submitting your application.

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person'points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found atEquality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contactrecruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

Interview date: Week Commencing 1st December 2025