Job Description
We are working on a confidential payroll leadership opportunity with a growing international business seeking an experienced EMEA Payroll Manager on a 15-month fixed-term contract.
This is a predominantly remote role, with the expectation to attend the London office around one day per week.
This position would suit someone who enjoys leading, supporting and developing a payroll team, while still being close enough to the detail to provide guidance, resolve issues and ensure a high-quality payroll service across multiple countries.
This is not a standalone payroll role. You will not be operating in isolation or simply processing payroll individually. A major part of the position is providing day-to-day leadership to an established team, helping them prioritise workload, improve ways of working, manage queries and deliver a consistent, accurate and compliant payroll service.
The Role
You will be responsible for overseeing payroll delivery across a number of EMEA locations, working closely with payroll specialists, internal stakeholders and external providers to ensure payrolls are processed accurately, on time and in line with local requirements.
The role will involve reviewing current processes, strengthening controls, supporting audit and compliance activity, and helping the team operate in a structured, efficient and collaborative way.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, support and develop a small payroll team, providing guidance, structure and day-to-day direction.
- Oversee multi-country payroll delivery across the EMEA region.
- Act as an escalation point for complex payroll queries, compliance matters and operational issues.
- Review payroll outputs to ensure accuracy, consistency and appropriate controls.
- Work closely with HR, Finance and external payroll providers to ensure smooth payroll delivery.
- Support month-end payroll activity, including reporting, journals, accruals and reconciliations.
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, reduce manual work and strengthen governance.
- Support payroll projects, system improvements and changes to ways of working.
- Ensure payroll activity is compliant with relevant local legislation, internal policies and audit requirements.
- Help manage team workload, priorities, deadlines and service levels.
The Person
We are looking for an experienced payroll professional who combines strong technical payroll knowledge with genuine people-management experience.
You will need to be comfortable leading a team, supporting others, improving processes and working with multiple stakeholders across a fast-moving international environment.
Suitable candidates are likely to have:
- Previous experience managing or supervising a payroll team.
- Strong UK and EMEA / international payroll experience.
- Experience working with outsourced payroll providers.
- A good understanding of payroll controls, compliance, audit requirements and statutory obligations.
- Experience reviewing payrolls, resolving issues and acting as an escalation point.
- Confidence working with HR, Finance and external providers.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
- Experience with payroll / HR systems and process improvement.
- A practical, supportive and collaborative management style.
Package
- 15-month fixed-term contract
- c.£70,000 salary
- 15% bonus
- Predominantly remote working
- London office attendance around once per week
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys both the technical and people-management sides of payroll, and who is looking for a flexible, high-impact EMEA role within an international business.
