Global Payroll Manager

We are currently representing a leading global Financial Services firm in the appointment of high-calibre professionals as part of a period of strategic growth and investment.
Our client operates at the intersection of corporate, fiduciary and regulatory services, partnering with private equity houses, investment managers and international financial institutions. Backed by long-term institutional investment and an established global brand, the firm is scaling its capabilities, technology and international footprint.
This is an opportunity to join a business that combines the agility of a growth platform with the credibility, client base and governance of a market leader.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Global Payroll Manager to establish and lead a global payroll function.

Payroll is currently delivered through a network of third-party providers across multiple jurisdictions. Working closely with HR, Finance and external payroll partners, you will oversee payroll delivery, ensure high service standards and compliance, and drive consistency across global payroll operations.

This is an opportunity to shape the future payroll operating model, strengthen governance and controls, and support the continued evolution of payroll services within a growing international business. As the function matures, there may also be opportunities to support future centralisation or in-sourcing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

- Oversee end-to-end payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions within a vendor-led payroll delivery model.
- Establish and develop a global payroll operating model.
- Manage relationships with payroll vendors, monitoring service performance, KPIs and SLAs.
- Ensure payroll services are delivered accurately, compliantly and on time across all jurisdictions.
- Implement payroll governance frameworks, controls, policies and procedures.
- Drive standardisation, process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead payroll transformation projects, including vendor transitions and operating model enhancements.
- Manage payroll-related risk, compliance and audit requirements.
- Partner with HR, Finance, Reward and business stakeholders on payroll strategy and delivery.
- Act as the primary escalation point for payroll-related issues and vendor performance concerns.
- Develop payroll reporting, metrics and management information.
- Support future payroll centralisation or in-sourcing initiatives as the function evolves.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

- Proven experience managing global or multi-country payroll operations through outsourced payroll providers.
- Strong experience managing third-party payroll vendors and service delivery arrangements.
- Experience establishing, centralising or transforming payroll operating models.
- Strong understanding of payroll compliance, governance and controls across multiple jurisdictions.
- Experience leading payroll transformation, vendor transitions or payroll implementation projects.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across HR, Finance and operational teams.
- Experience working with payroll systems and HRIS platforms such as ADP, Workday, SD Worx, Dayforce, SAP SuccessFactors or Oracle HCM.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and continuous improvement skills.
- Experience within a Shared Services Centre (SSC) or Global Business Services (GBS) environment would be advantageous.
- Fluent English, both written and spoken.