Payroll Process Expert - EMEA

At Informa, no two days and no two people are the same, and you'll find the freedom, opportunity and support of a fantastic community to make a real impact. We’re an international business that connects specialists with knowledge, helping them to learn more, know more and do more through live and on demand events, digital and data-driven services and academic research. We are home to over 10,000 colleagues across 30 countries and are a member of the UK’s FTSE 100 group of leading public companies. In Global Support, we provide expert guidance and hands‑on support to the Informa Group and Informa’s many business teams.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of payroll processes across the EMEA region. 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. Working alongside the Payroll Operations Manager, 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, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact by building and integrating new payroll processes, leveraging AI and automation technologies, and ensuring scalable solutions that meet the needs of a global organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Design and Innovation: 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.
• Strategic Projects and Integration: Play a key role in building and integrating 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.
• Stakeholder and Relationship Management: 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.
• Compliance and Data Integrity: 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.

Qualifications Experience and Skills

• 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 organizational 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.

Additional Information

We believe that great things happen when people connect face‑to‑face. That's why we work in‑person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at an Informa event – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely. We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone.

Our benefits include:

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in‑person and online social events, our fantastic 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 too.
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on‑demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job 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 (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year.
• A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company funded private medical cover.
• A ShareMatch scheme that allows 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.
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world.

We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

If you would like to request reasonable adjustments or accommodations to assist your participation in the hiring process and, or in 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.