Payroll Partner

Dr. Martens is a globally recognisable and culturally influential British brand, with 65 years of rich heritage, rooted in craftsmanship. As brand custodians, we are lucky to work for a dynamic, thriving, and ethical business, with people from diverse backgrounds, who bring their true selves to work, and where anyone can grow their career.

We are guided by three core values that are at the heart of everything we do: be yourself, act courageously, and show you care. They make us who we are and inspire us to push boundaries, embrace our individuality, and stand up for what’s right.

With continued growth across our UK and EU regions, the People Operations team is evolving to meet the complexities of an increasingly international and diverse workforce. We’re levelling up our payroll operations to support this growth — and that’s where this role comes in.

We’re looking for an experienced Payroll Partner to take ownership of payroll operations across the UK and EU. This role ensures seamless payroll delivery while building partnerships with third-party providers and cross-functional teams to continuously improve how we work.

You’ll be a trusted partner in ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in everything payroll-related.

As our Payroll Partner you will be responsible for:

• Managing end-to-end payroll processing for salaried and hourly employees across multiple EU countries, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with local tax, social security, and statutory regulations.
• Overseeing outsourced payroll providers, ensuring data integrity, effective collaboration, and adherence to country-specific requirements.
• Coordinating localised benefits and payroll-related activities, including employee share schemes, meal vouchers, discounted goods, year-end processes, and reconciliation in partnership with People and Finance teams.
• Serving as the main point of contact for payroll queries, confidently resolving issues and supporting payroll disaster recovery or contingency plans when needed.
• Continuously improving payroll systems and processes, while staying up to date with regional legislation and best practices to enhance efficiency.

The key things we’re looking for are:

• Extensive payroll experience in fast-paced or high-volume environments, with strong knowledge of UK and EU regulations and hands-on experience across countries like the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, and Scandinavia.
• Proven ability to manage outsourced payroll providers and complex benefits, such as employee share schemes, while working effectively with cross-functional teams like Finance and HR.
• Advanced Excel and payroll system skills, with a strong grasp of data accuracy, reporting, and reconciliation.
• Excellent attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to prioritise, work autonomously, and meet tight deadlines.
• High integrity and discretion when handling confidential information; CIPP qualification (or equivalent) is a plus, though relevant experience is equally valued.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Hybrid working
• Welcome to the family free pair of Docs
• 65% off all Docs
• Award-winning ‘Buy As You Earn’ Dr. Martens share plan
• Private healthcare
• A dedicated culture team
• 2 paid volunteer days per year
• Amazing Camden based offices with roof terrace overlooking the canal

At Dr. Martens, we are committed to creating an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand; helping us to speak authentically to our consumers.

We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.