Payroll Team Leader - Fixed Term

• Hamilton CBD location
• Fixed Term position to July 2027
• Full time 80 hours per fortnight - office based
• Lead a high performing payroll team in one of New Zealands largest employers

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

Make a meaningful impact by ensuring thousands of employees are paid accurately and on time while driving continuous improvement across payroll operations.

As Payroll Team Leader, you will be responsible for 12 direct reports, and lead the day-to-day delivery of payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely pay processing for Health New Zealand Waikato employees. You will oversee payroll controls, coordinate pay runs, support payroll system processes, and provide leadership to a skilled payroll team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys leading people, improving processes, and delivering exceptional service in a complex and fast-paced environment.

Please note this is an office based role, and not a hybrid or remote position.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely pay runs.
• Manage payroll controls, reporting, auditing, and exception processes.
• Support, coach, and develop payroll team members to achieve operational goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance payroll efficiency and reduce risk.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external agencies to support payroll service delivery.

Click here to view a copy of the Position Description.

About the Team

The Payroll team sits within People & Culture and plays a critical role in ensuring payroll services are delivered accurately, efficiently, and compliantly. Working collaboratively with HR, Finance, and operational teams, the service supports a large and diverse workforce across the Waikato district.

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About You

You will be an experienced payroll professional with strong technical knowledge and a passion for leadership and continuous improvement.

You will also have:

• Experience in payroll administration and/or large enterprise payroll systems supporting a sizeable workforce
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand payroll legislation, including the Holidays Act and KiwiSaver requirements  
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop team performance  
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and payroll systems experience 
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills  

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.  

How to Apply

To apply please click “Apply online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 27th October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lisa McKerrow at Lisa.McKerrow@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as they are received and may progress suitable candidates before the closing date.