Strategic Lead - Payroll and HR Systems

At Connect2Hackney, we're proud to partner with one of London's most dynamic and diverse boroughs. Hackney is a place of energy, creativity, and ambition, and we're on a mission to make it a borough for everyone. That means building a high-performing, digital-first council that delivers exceptional services for our residents. To help us achieve this, we're looking for brilliant people who are passionate about public service and ready to make a real impact.

We're excited to offer a pivotal opportunity within Hackney's HR & OD service:

Strategic Lead - Payroll and HR Systems

Why this role matters

As Strategic Lead, you'll play a central role in shaping the future of payroll and HR systems across the council and its schools. You'll lead the delivery of a modern, efficient, and compliant payroll service, while ensuring our HR systems are robust, data-driven, and ready for the future.

This is more than just a technical role, it's a strategic leadership position that will influence how we work, how we support our people, and how we use data and digital tools to drive better outcomes for Hackney's workforce and residents.

What you'll be doing

• Leading the strategic direction and operational delivery of payroll services and HR systems across the council and schools.
• Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, pension schemes, and internal policies.
• Driving continuous improvement and innovation in payroll processes and HR systems, with a focus on automation, accuracy, and user experience.
• Collaborating with senior leaders, HR colleagues, finance teams, and external partners to align systems and services with organisational goals.
• Championing data integrity and using insights to inform decision-making and workforce planning.
• Managing and developing a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.

What you'll bring

• Proven experience in a senior payroll or HR systems role within a large, complex organisation.
• Deep expertise in payroll systems, particularly iTrent, and pension scheme data management.
• A strategic mindset with the technical know-how to lead digital transformation.
• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative, people-first approach that builds trust and inspires teams.
• A sharp eye for detail and a passion for using data to drive performance and innovation.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything you do.

What Hackney is building

Hackney is creating a high-performing, digital and networked HR & OD service that reflects the borough's values:

Proud | Ambitious | Pioneering | Open | Proactive | Inclusive

This is your chance to be part of something new, to shape how the Council works, support directorates, and ultimately improve the lives of Hackney's residents.

Our commitment to inclusion

Hackney Council is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise the impact of social and economic disadvantage and are committed to tackling inequality in all its forms.

We welcome applications from candidates who are interested in flexible working and are proud to be an inclusive employer.

Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.