London Office - Payroll Manager, Europe (Hybrid working)

Location: London

About L.E.K. Consulting

L.E.K. Consulting is a global strategy consulting firm that addresses the most critical commercial issues for the leaders of some of the world's most successful businesses. Clients come to us time and again because we are proven to act as an insightful expert and a trusted partner. We are uncompromising in our approach to help clients make better decisions at crucial moments, changing the trajectory of their enterprise, delivering improved business performance and creating greater shareholder returns.

Our teams combine our core capabilities of research, benchmarking, modelling, data & analytics and strategy development to create game-changing insights and practical solutions that seize competitive advantage and unlock new growth opportunities. We enable clients to make critical decisions with greater certainty and empower them to master their moments of truth.

With more than 2,300 professionals located across five continents, L.E.K. specialises in Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) support with clients across the full range of corporates and private equity. We are expert in a wide range of industries, including Life Sciences and healthcare, retail and consumer, financial services, industrials, energy and transportation.

Overview

The Payroll Manager is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with all relevant legislation and internal policies. This role sits within the People Team who are responsible for ensuring that L.E.K. is a great place to work – one where everyone has an inspiring, sustainable career within a collaborative and inclusive culture. The team are responsible for the employee experience from day one and are focused on developing equitable policies, guidance and People support across the region.

Direct Reports: This is a standalone individual contributor role

Scope: London, Madrid, Zurich, Paris, Munich, Warsaw & Wroclaw

Stakeholders: Finance Function & People Team

Scope and Responsibility

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of the payrolls for our offices in London, Madrid, Zurich and provide oversight and assistance to Paris, Munich, Wroclaw. Total employee count c750.
• Collaborate with People, Finance, and Legal teams to align payroll processes with overall business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with payroll suppliers to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery.
• Lead and mentor local Payroll support team providing guidance and training for their professional development.
• Ensure compliance with local payroll laws, regulations, and tax requirements in the designated countries, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Group, regional and local processes, policies and controls and provide reporting as needed to support any internal or external audit requirements.

Required Skills and Knowledge

• Prior experience as a Payroll Manager – 10 years’ experience as a Payroll professional including minimum 2 years’ experience of European payroll.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, tax laws, and pay labour laws in at least two of the countries we operate in.
• Familiarity with payroll and People systems and software, such as SAP, ADP, Workday.
• Highly organised and comfortable with manual processes. Wants to be hands on.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, numerate and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Experience in data analysis and reporting, strong MS skills in Excel.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience within a professional services organisation would be preferred but is not essential.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and change.
• Collaborative working style, recognises the value and responsibility of working in a team and seeks to maintain and build effective relationships both internally and externally.

Desirable

• Professional services experience.
• Experience in using, updating, and reporting from an HRIS system.
• German, French or Spanish Language (C1/2).

Diversity and Inclusion at L.E.K.

Here at L.E.K., we appreciate the value of a diverse and inclusive workforce and are committed to a culture that is inclusive and accepting of all people. Above all, we are committed to ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity. L.E.K. Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We have several affinity groups to support and enrich our employees and in addition, our Diversity and Inclusion committee celebrate events throughout the year with a focus on awareness and education.