Global Payroll Director

Role Overview

• 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