At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global payroll operations and automate processes for efficiency.
- Company: Join a well-funded startup with big ambitions and a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pre-IPO equity, unlimited PTO, and generous parental leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with open communication and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a massive impact in a high-visibility role while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in global payroll management and equity administration required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About the Role
As the Senior Manager of Global Payroll Systems & Equity Operations at HTS, you will serve as a player-coach reporting to the Head of People Operations & Workforce Technology to modernize and scale our workforce compensation infrastructure. Sitting on the leadership team, your mandate is to transition the function away from manual, multi-vendor handoffs into an automated, highly scalable operating model that maximizes systemic efficiency without proportional headcount growth. This high-visibility role uniquely blends global cross‑functional system design with hands‑on execution to directly mitigate operational and financial risk.
What would your day‑to‑day look like:
- Own the end‑to‑end global payroll operating model across employees, contractors, EORs, PEOs, and local providers.
- Manage and develop a team of 2–3 direct reports while maintaining execution discipline and high operational standards.
- Lead the operational administration of employee equity in Shareworks, covering grant processing, data updates, and multi‑department reconciliation.
- Identify and implement automation workflows to minimize manual data transfers, recurring exceptions, and data friction.
- Partner with HR Technology, IT, and Finance to drive payroll platform consolidations and maximize system reliability.
- Strengthen compliance protocols, payroll controls, and documentation to protect the business from financial exposure and ensure audit readiness.
- Establish clear processing calendars, accountability metrics, and data scorecards to measure function accuracy and capacity gains.
- Step into complex tax, equity, and market‑specific payroll challenges to drive swift cross‑functional resolution.
An ideal candidate has:
- Global Payroll Leadership: Proven experience managing multi‑country payroll operations, specifically navigating EOR, PEO, and local provider frameworks.
- Equity Administration Expertise: Direct familiarity handling equity platforms like Shareworks, including managing grant lifecycles and complex equity tax coordination.
- Systems & Automation Focus: A strong track record of designing HRIS integrations, optimizing workflows, and intentionally removing manual touchpoints from financial operations.
- Controls & Compliance Rigor: Deep knowledge of payroll controls, financial audit readiness, and tax implications within a high‑growth technology or fintech corporate structure.
- Player‑Coach Capability: The demonstrated capability to manage and upskill a remote operational team while simultaneously acting as a hands‑on technical expert.
- Commercial & Analytical Mindset: The ability to convert complex operational patterns into clear, data‑driven decisions that improve company‑wide scaling efficiency.
Benefits:
- Well‑funded and proven startup with large ambitions, competitive salary, upsides of pre‑IPO equity packages.
- Hopper covers 100% of the premiums for the employee for a group insurance plan through Vitality Health.
- Automatic contributions when you start with Hopper through Smart Pension.
- Please ask us about our very generous parental leave, much above industry standards.
- Access to co‑working space on demand through FlexDesk and a work‑from‑home stipend.
- Carrot Cash travel stipend.
- Unlimited PTO.
- Entrepreneurial culture where pushing limits and taking risks is everyday business.
- Open communication with management and company leadership.
- Small, dynamic teams = massive impact.
Senior Manager, Global Payroll Systems & Equity Operations employer: Drive Capital
HTS is an exceptional employer that fosters an entrepreneurial culture, encouraging innovation and risk-taking while providing a supportive environment for professional growth. With competitive salaries, generous parental leave, and unlimited PTO, employees enjoy a work-life balance that promotes well-being. The opportunity to work in small, dynamic teams allows for significant impact, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career path in a well-funded startup poised for success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Global Payroll Systems & Equity Operations
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Drive Capital!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Drive Capital.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Global Payroll Systems & Equity Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Drive Capital. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Drive Capital and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Drive Capital. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Drive Capital's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Drive Capital
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Drive Capital.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Drive Capital will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Drive Capital and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
