Payroll Process Expert - EMEA

Location: London (remote one day per week in Colchester office)

As the Payroll Process Expert (GPE) you will focus on driving innovation, continuous improvement, and strategic projects to ensure payroll processes are modern, efficient, and aligned with the latest industry standards. You will concentrate on process design, system integration, and stakeholder collaboration, rather than day‑to‑day payroll operations. Reporting to the Regional Head of Payroll, you will build and integrate new payroll processes, leverage AI and automation technologies, and ensure scalable solutions that meet the needs of a global organization.

• Lead the design and implementation of modern, scalable payroll processes that embrace innovation and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI and automation technologies to streamline payroll workflows and reduce manual effort.
• Collaborate with internal teams to optimise end‑to‑end payroll processes, ensuring alignment with business needs and future scalability.
• Proactively troubleshoot process inefficiencies and implement solutions to drive continuous improvement.

• Build and integrate new payroll systems, ensuring they are fit for purpose and aligned with the latest industry standards.
• Support the Regional Payroll Lead in delivering strategic payroll projects, including system implementations, transitions, and integrations.
• Assist in managing payroll‑related aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and new country implementations, ensuring smooth transitions and compliance.
• Provide operational insights and recommendations to support decision‑making and strategic planning.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including HR, Finance, and Benefits teams, to ensure payroll requirements are met.
• Collaborate with external payroll providers to maintain high service standards and address any operational challenges.
• Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, providing expert guidance on payroll processes and system capabilities.
• Provide regular updates to the Regional Payroll Lead on project progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

• Ensure payroll processes comply with statutory regulations, company policies, and GDPR requirements.
• Conduct regular audits and checks to maintain the accuracy and security of payroll data.
• Maintain up‑to‑date payroll procedures and ensure adherence across the region.
• Act as a key contact for internal and external audits, providing required documentation and ensuring compliance.

• Extensive experience in payroll operations within a complex, multi‑country organization, with expertise in EMEA payrolls.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, including HMRC regulations and GDPR compliance.
• Proven ability to act as a payroll subject matter expert, providing guidance and advice to stakeholders.
• Exceptional organisational skills with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to resolve issues effectively.
• Experience in process improvement, including leveraging AI and automation technologies.
• Advanced Excel skills, including XLOOKUP and data analysis.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with payroll system administration and process automation.
• Familiarity with managing payroll in a shared services environment.
• Professional payroll qualifications (e.g., CIPP or equivalent).
• Experience in project management or supporting strategic initiatives.

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in‑person and online social events, our Walk the World charity day, and active diversity and inclusion networks.
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available.
• Career opportunity: bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on‑demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning, and support for internal career moves.
• Time out: 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from anywhere for up to four weeks a year.
• Flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company‑funded private medical cover.
• ShareMatch scheme allowing you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares.
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps and more.
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes.
• Collaboration across teams around the world.

If you would like to request reasonable adjustments or accommodations to assist your participation in the hiring process and/or the advertised position, please inform the appropriate Talent Acquisition Partner for the role once they have been in touch. Your request will be reviewed and considered in confidence.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, this role is open to applicants regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, or other protected characteristics. We base our decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and treat all applicants fairly.