Job Description

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.

West Midlands Police is the second-largest police force in England, serving more than 2.9 million people across Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall. Every day, our people work together to keep our communities safe, protect vulnerable people, prevent crime and bring offenders to justice.

We answer more than 2,000 emergency calls every day and provide policing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting victims, investigating crime or working behind the scenes, every role plays a vital part in delivering an outstanding service to the public.

We're proud of the progress we've made in reducing crime, improving emergency response times and increasing arrest rates. These achievements are only possible because of the dedication, professionalism and expertise of our officers, staff and volunteers. As we continue to transform the way we police, we're looking for talented people who are committed to making a real difference.

Why Join West Midlands Police?

A career with West Midlands Police is about more than a job, it's an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people. Whatever your role, you'll contribute to keeping our communities safe while developing your own skills and career.

When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Meaningful work that makes a difference every day.
• A diverse range of career opportunities across policing and professional support services.
• High-quality training, development and opportunities to progress.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their potential.
• Competitive pay, generous annual leave, excellent pension arrangements and a wide range of employee benefits.
• The opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a common purpose.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better understand and serve the communities we protect. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the highest level of the Government's Disability Confident scheme, we are committed to removing barriers to employment and supporting disabled applicants and employees throughout their careers. Through our Disability Confident Interview Scheme, applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for a role will normally be offered an interview, subject to the scheme's terms and any recruitment constraints.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision is to maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness, respect and inclusion, enabling us to deliver the best possible service to our communities.

Professional Standards

Working in policing is a position of trust. Our officers and staff are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate vetting and are expected to uphold the ethical standards and responsibilities that come with serving the public.

Recruitment and the Use of AI

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools to support activities such as proofreading and improving the presentation of written applications. This is acceptable, provided the content you submit accurately reflects your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Applications must be your own work. Any evidence of plagiarism, false or misleading information, or the inappropriate use of AI during assessments or selection activities where it is not permitted may result in your application being rejected.

Benefits

We know that supporting our people is essential to delivering the best service to our communities. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits, wellbeing support and development opportunities to help you thrive throughout your career.

Visit our Benefits page to find out more about the rewards and support available when you join West Midlands Police.