Global Payroll Director leading payroll operations and strategic initiatives in a multi-jurisdictional organization. Facilitating accurate and compliant payroll services across nine countries.
Responsibilities
Establish and execute the strategic payroll roadmap, including technology transformation, process optimization, and capability development across the global function.
Build and develop a high-performing, distributed payroll leadership team; establish clear performance frameworks, career pathways, and capability-building initiatives across all regions.
Own payroll quality, accuracy, and compliance standards; establish governance frameworks, internal controls, and audit-ready processes to mitigate risk and demonstrate resilience.
Establish and manage strategic partnerships with global payroll vendors, compliance service providers, and technology platforms; negotiate contracts and ensure vendor accountability to service standards.
Build strong strategic relationships with Finance, HR, Legal, and senior business leaders; ensure payroll data insights inform business planning and support talent strategy alignment.
Lead payroll compliance across all jurisdictions; manage regulatory relationships, audit responses, and statutory reporting; ensure adherence to employment law and tax obligations globally.
Lead strategic initiatives and organizational priorities including:
Evaluate, implement, and optimize payroll technology platforms and processing solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and support business growth across all jurisdictions
Define and own global payroll governance standards, policy frameworks, and operational procedures across all regions, ensuring consistency, compliance, and best practice
Oversee the administration and strategic integration of employee share-based payments and equity programs; ensure accurate reporting and compliance with accounting and tax requirements globally
Requirements
Minimum 8 years’ experience in managing payroll functions across both in-house and outsourced processing models, with at least 3 years in a strategic leadership or management position.
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in accounting, business, finance, or a related field; professional certification (e.g., CIPD, CPA, or equivalent) preferred
Demonstrated expertise with outsourced payroll compliance and vendor management across multiple countries; experience leading global payroll implementations and transformations.
Strong working knowledge of payroll compliance and processing in at least four of the following jurisdictions: Spain, UK, Germany, Ireland, Philippines, Thailand, Australia, NZ and the USA (multi-state); ability to interpret complex tax and employment regulations.
Proven ability to build, develop, and motivate large, geographically distributed teams; demonstrated track record of creating high-performance cultures and establishing clear performance and career frameworks.
Proven ability to work collaboratively across multiple time zones and cultures; experience building strong partnerships with Finance, HR, Legal, and senior business leadership.
Exceptional strategic leadership and management skills; ability to drive organizational change, establish governance frameworks, and deliver results in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Strategic thinker who remains hands-on and engaged in operational delivery; comfort with balancing big-picture thinking with attention to detail and process excellence.
Ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships with HR leadership; experience aligning payroll operations with broader talent and people strategy.
Strong commitment to data governance, security, and privacy compliance; ability to establish and maintain robust controls protecting sensitive employee and financial information.
Benefits
Hybrid working model (in-office & from home)
Mental health and well-being initiatives
Paid birthday, study and volunteering leave every year
Sponsored social clubs, team events, and celebrations
Employee Resource Groups (ERG) to help you connect and get involved
Investment in your personal growth offering training for your advancement
Payroll Consultant managing payroll processes in Spain for SD Worx clients. Focusing on client management and providing payroll expertise with a strong interest in HR.
Payroll trainee at SD Worx combining theory and practice in a dynamic environment. Involved in monthly payroll management and client interactions through a structured training program.
Senior Payroll Manager overseeing payroll operations for clients, requiring 3 - 5 years of experience. Join a leading European HR and payroll services provider.
Payroll Solution Manager ensuring compliance and operational delivery of payroll services in Belgium. Collaborates with product development for roadmap and best practices in payroll compliance.
Payroll Expert in a hybrid role overseeing payroll processes and leading a team at Ingram Micro. Responsible for compensation, analytics, and collaboration with management on HR systems.
Global Payroll Implementation Analyst supporting international payroll implementations and day - to - day operations. Collaborating with teams to ensure compliance and refine processes for client payroll.
Global Payroll Implementation Analyst role at AAB, specializing in payroll processes for clients in various regions. Supporting the implementation of global payroll systems and ensuring compliance.
Head of Payroll Onboarding managing payroll onboarding and client migration for Cintra’s clients. Overseeing a team to ensure project delivery and compliance with quality standards.
Payroll and Benefits Coordinator managing employee benefits and processing domestic payroll using ADP. Ensuring compliance and accuracy in regulatory requirements and payroll administration.
Payroll Manager managing payroll operations, governance, and compliance at Uniper. Involved in continuous improvement of payroll services and systems in the UK.