Application Deadline: 3 May 2026

Department: Corporate Services

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £28,598 - £31,022 / year

Description

Job Description & Person Specification >

Torbay Council is a small unitary authority enabling us to make things happen quickly and there’s always something new and interesting happening. We have real momentum building and have a shared sense of purpose and ambition. If you do too, join us.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a trusted, high‑performing Payroll team delivering a critical service to employees, schools and external customers. Payroll matters because it affects people directly, and this role sits at the heart of that trust.

The successful candidate will be ambitious for the service, bringing enthusiasm and attention to detail. Typical areas of work you will be involved in include:

Making sure people are paid accurately and on time – working with live payroll and pension data.
Using ResourceLink, gaining hands-on experience with a leading payroll and HR system.
Supporting recruitment and wider HR activity, building strong all-round experience.
Contributing to continuous improvement in payroll, HR and recruitment processes.
Resolving payroll, HR and recruitment queries, using judgement and escalating when needed.

As a Payroll & HR Officer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, in line with statutory, contractual and organisational requirements. You will act as a first point of contact for payroll, HR systems, HR and recruitment administration queries, providing clear, accurate advice and support.

You will gain hands‑on experience using ResourceLink, the Council’s integrated payroll and HR system, working with live data in a professional local government environment. Alongside payroll processing, you will also support recruitment administration and wider HR activity, providing valuable all‑round experience across the employee lifecycle.

Working independently and alongside colleagues, you will process payroll, pension and employment data, meet key deadlines and help maintain strong audit trails and financial governance. You will also contribute to the continuous improvement of payroll, HR and recruitment processes across the service.

This is a fast‑paced but supportive environment, where teamwork, professionalism and attention to detail are essential.

This post is offered on a 12‑month fixed‑term basis to cover maternity leave. While the contract is time‑limited, it provides an excellent opportunity to gain high‑quality payroll, HR and recruitment experience within local government.

We are keen to appoint as soon as possible, and the post can start as soon as the successful candidate is available.

You will receive full training and on‑the‑job support, working with experienced colleagues, established procedures and robust systems. This role offers a valuable opportunity to gain broad, hands-on experience, professional development and recognised local government credibility, useful both within the sector and beyond.

All team members are currently permanent home workers, however if you prefer an office setting this can also be accommodated. Applications are welcome from candidates across the UK.

This position is for a fixed term of 12 months from the start date.

This post meets the requirements of the Public Services Network (PSN) and therefore will require a Basic Criminal Record Check. This will show any unspent convictions and conditional cautions.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/payroll-hr-officer/

For an informal chat please contact Tania Hutchings on 01803208497 or tania.hutchings@torbay.gov.uk.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 11th May 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

Essential:

Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload accurately, meeting daily, weekly and monthly deadlines within a payroll and HR environment.
Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
Demonstrates an understanding of payroll processes and procedures.
High level of numeracy and accuracy, with the ability to carry out payroll calculations and identify discrepancies.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Knowledge

Essential:

Working knowledge of payroll processes, statutory pay requirements and payroll legislation.
Awareness of data protection principles and the importance of confidentiality within an HR and payroll context.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

Educated to GCSE or O-Level standard or equivalent (including English and Mathematics).
A recognised Payroll or HR qualification to NVQ level 3 or equivalent.

Torbay Council

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