Payroll Manager Northland at Te Whatu Ora, Northland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Permanent | Full-time | Whangarei based

Lead a large-scale payroll operation supporting critical healthcare services across the Northern region

A senior leadership role driving performance, compliance and workforce experience in one of New Zealand's most complex payroll environments

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to over 5 million New Zealanders. We are transforming our health system to improve equity, access and outcomes for all, guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Pae Ora – Healthy Futures vision.

Payroll plays a critical role in enabling our people to focus on delivering care, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time across a large, diverse workforce.

About the Role

As Payroll Manager – Northern, you will provide leadership, expert advice, and operational oversight of payroll services across the Northland district.

You will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely payments, compliance with legislation and collective agreements, and continuous improvement in service performance.

Working as part of the national network of Payroll Managers, you will contribute to national payroll strategy and lead local delivery, balancing consistency with regional needs. You will also play a key role in system improvements, audits, change initiatives and workforce capability development.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage district payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and service quality
• Provide leadership to a large payroll team, building capability and a strong customer service culture
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, collective agreements and internal policies
• Monitor and improve payroll performance metrics and operational processes
• Oversee payroll systems configuration, data integrity and reporting
• Lead payroll-related projects, audits and system changes
• Identify and manage risks, ensuring appropriate controls and mitigation strategies are in place
• Contribute to national payroll leadership initiatives and support strategic objectives

About You

You are an experienced payroll leader who brings strong technical expertise, people leadership and a strategic mindset. You will have:

• 10+ years' payroll experience, including at least 5 years in leadership roles within large, complex organisations
• Strong knowledge of the Holidays Act 2003, employment legislation, and collective agreements
• Proven experience managing complex, high-volume payroll environments
• Experience leading teams, driving performance and delivering operational improvements
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

You will also demonstrate a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and Pae Ora outcomes, along with strong integrity, judgement and accountability.

Working at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and values-led workforce where our people feel supported and empowered. We welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities, and support flexible and remote ways of working.

How to Apply

To apply, please click “Apply Now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59pm, Sunday 24th May 2026.

For further information, please contact Cherushka Pillay at Cherushka.Pillay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.
Applications will be reviewed as received, and we may progress candidates prior to the closing date.