At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform global payroll operations in a fast-paced, international environment.
- Company: Join FairWind, a leader in renewable energy and wind turbine services.
- Benefits: Flexible working, private medical insurance, pension scheme, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, international team with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Extensive payroll management experience, ideally in global leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
📍 United Kingdom | Department: Finance | Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
At FairWind, we are dedicated to supporting the global transition to renewable energy. As an international leader in wind turbine installation and service, we operate across multiple regions and projects worldwide. To support our continued growth, we are looking for a Global Head of Payroll to lead and transform our global payroll operations.
About the Role
The Global Head of Payroll will lead the global payroll function in a fast‑paced, international environment. You will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple jurisdictions, including complex payroll structures for project‑based teams, offshore personnel, and contractors. This role plays a key part in driving payroll transformation, standardisation, and automation globally, while ensuring compliance with international tax and labour regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Transformation
- Develop and execute a global payroll strategy that supports international growth and operational scalability.
- Lead the transformation and standardisation of payroll processes, including automation and integration with HR and finance systems.
- Act as a strategic advisor to leadership on global payroll and regulatory matters.
- Global Payroll Operations
- Oversee global payroll delivery across multiple jurisdictions, including onshore, offshore, and emerging markets.
- Ensure accurate and timely payroll for employees, contractors, and project‑based workforces.
- Manage payroll complexities related to international tax regulations, social security coordination, and time‑tracking systems.
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with local tax laws, labour regulations, social security requirements, and data protection standards (including GDPR) across all regions.
- Coordinate internal payroll audits and external reporting obligations.
- Partner with Legal and Global Mobility teams to mitigate permanent establishment risks and contractor misclassification.
- Lead improvements to payroll systems and processes, including vendor management.
- Drive integrations between payroll platforms, HRIS systems, and time‑keeping tools.
- Support digitalisation initiatives aligned with the company’s sustainability and operational efficiency.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Build and lead a high‑performing global payroll team, fostering collaboration across Finance, HR and Operations.
- Support training and knowledge sharing across regional payroll and HR teams to promote consistency and compliance.
- Act as a change leader in a rapidly evolving international environment.
- Manage the global payroll budget, ensuring cost efficiency and transparency.
- Oversee payroll accounting, reconciliations and statutory reporting in close collaboration with Finance (HSEQ).
Experience
- Extensive experience in payroll management, ideally in a global leadership role.
- Proven experience managing payroll in renewable energy, construction, oil & gas, or similar project‑based industries.
- Strong knowledge of international payroll legislation and compliance requirements.
- Experience working with diverse employment structures including self‑employed contractors, fixed‑term employees, and expatriates.
- Experience with workforce deployment across Europe and Asia‑Pacific.
Qualifications
- Professional payroll certification such as CPP, CPM, or another global payroll certification is an advantage.
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking combined with strong operational execution.
- High attention to compliance and risk management.
- Excellent cross‑cultural leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, international environment.
What We Offer
- Career growth: flexible working – work from home up to 2 days per week, supporting a healthy work‑life balance.
- Private Medical Insurance Allowance – the flexibility to arrange your own medical insurance and claim reimbursement up to a defined monthly allowance.
- Pension Scheme – a company‑supported pension plan, providing a tax‑efficient way to save for retirement and secure your financial future.
- Group Life Insurance & Group Income Protection – financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
- Wellbeing Programme – initiatives supporting both physical and mental health, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and company‑wide wellness activities.
- International environment – the opportunity to work in a truly global organization within the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
- Career development opportunities – exposure to international projects and the possibility to grow within a dynamic and innovative organization.
All employees are expected to be familiar with and comply with the company’s HSEQ policies and procedures, actively contributing to maintaining a safe working environment and continuously improving our integrated management system. Employees must report incidents, near misses, and potential risks and follow all relevant health and safety legislation and company processes.
Global Head of Payroll employer: FairWind
At FairWind, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for career advancement within a truly international environment. Join us to be part of a transformative journey where your contributions will directly impact the global transition to renewable energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Head of Payroll
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the renewable energy sector, especially those involved in payroll. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching FairWind's projects and values. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for renewable energy and how your experience aligns with our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in payroll management can transform our global operations. We want to hear how you can lead us into the future of payroll processing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at FairWind.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of Payroll
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Global Head of Payroll role. Highlight your experience in payroll management, especially in international settings, and showcase any relevant certifications you have. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at FairWind!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about renewable energy and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Global Head of Payroll, you'll be leading a team and driving transformation. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and any successful projects you've managed. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others in a fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at FairWind!
How to prepare for a job interview at FairWind
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of international payroll legislation and compliance requirements. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience, especially in project-based industries like renewable energy or construction.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to talk about how you've developed and executed payroll strategies in the past. Think about how you can align payroll operations with broader business goals, especially in a fast-paced, international environment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to share your experiences in building and leading high-performing teams. Highlight how you've fostered collaboration across departments like Finance and HR, and how you’ve managed change in a rapidly evolving setting.
✨Understand Compliance and Risk Management
Familiarise yourself with local tax laws, labour regulations, and data protection standards relevant to the role. Prepare to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach risk management at FairWind.
