Global Head of Payroll in London

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.