Global Payroll Manager in Leeds

We are seeking an experienced Global Payroll Manager based in Stockholm to develop and implement the global payroll strategy across Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Malta, Colombia, Poland, the UK, Gibraltar, and the USA. This is both a strategic and hands-on operational leadership role. The successful candidate will develop a professional global payroll function, create the operating model, strengthen governance and controls, and ensure payroll is scalable, compliant and aligned with HR and Finance in a large global company.

Alongside developing and implementing the global payroll strategy, the role will provide hands-on operational oversight of payroll delivery across all countries in scope, including direct payroll delivery for Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. The role will also review payroll vendors, oversee HR Payroll Coordinators, own global payroll reporting and data governance, and deliver accurate, compliant, and insight-led payroll across a complex international environment.

YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Global Payroll Operations: Lead timely, compliant end-to-end payroll across 12 countries (including the Americas and Europe), maintaining hands-on delivery for Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
• Operating Model & Governance: Establish a standardized global operating model with clear payroll calendars, approval workflows, documentation, and senior escalation protocols.
• Assurance & Controls: Design and embed a robust payroll assurance framework covering variance analysis, data reconciliations, exception reporting, and control testing.
• Compliance & Audit Ownership: Ensure strict compliance with local tax, pension, and statutory laws; monitor regulatory changes and lead all payroll audits and year-end processes.
• Vendor Governance: Own international vendor performance, managing service level agreements (SLAs), compliance obligations, issue resolution, and operational handoffs with HR and Finance.
• Data Integrity & Architecture: Maintain the global payroll data dictionary ensuring consistency and system integrations across HR, finance, and vendor platforms to safeguard data quality.
• Strategic Reporting & Insights: Own global reporting on payroll costs, headcount, and FTEs to drive variance analysis, budgeting, and workforce planning for senior leadership.
• Function Build & Transformation: Modernize and scale the global payroll function by harmonizing cross-border workflows, driving automation, and supporting vendor or system transitions.

OUR SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Senior Payroll Leadership: Significant experience of complex, multi-country payroll functions in a global matrix organization.
• Function Build & Governance: Proven track record of designing global operating models, establishing controls, documenting workflows, and driving continuous improvement.
• Multi-Jurisdictional Compliance: Deep technical expertise in payroll assurance, statutory tax, pensions, social security, and audit readiness across multiple countries.
• Vendor Management: Strong experience managing international payroll vendors, enforcing SLAs, resolving escalations, and ensuring compliant delivery.
• Stakeholder Influence: Ability to build credibility and influence cross-functional stakeholders, including HR, Finance, Legal, and senior leadership.
• Data & Analytics Capability: Advanced capability in managing global payroll data dictionaries, pay codes, payroll cost reporting, variance analysis, and FTE/headcount dashboards.
• Systems Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills and hands-on experience utilizing HRIS and payroll platforms to align processes between HR and Finance.
• Diligence & Professional Judgment: High level of confidentiality and attention to detail, with the confidence to rigorously challenge vendor outputs and control weaknesses.

NICE TO HAVES

• Experience with payroll transformation, vendor transitions, or payroll system integration.
• Experience of global mobility, international assignments, shadow payrolls and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of GDPR and international payroll data privacy requirements.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar dashboarding tools.

BENEFITS

• Hybrid working – 3 days per week at the office, with flexibility for 2 days at home.
• Workation – Take your job on an adventure with our Workation benefit for up to 4 weeks per year (T&Cs apply).
• Plenty of time to recharge – 28 days of paid leave, plus all public and bank holidays in England.
• Invest in your future – We match pension contributions up to 6%.
• Comprehensive healthcare – BUPA coverage, including pre-existing conditions, plus a cashback plan for dental, optical, and other treatments.
• Wellbeing allowance – £250 annual allowance for you to invest in your health and wellbeing (T&Cs apply).
• A great workplace experience – Talented colleagues, complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as breakfasts and lunches on a weekly basis.
• A social culture you’ll love – Regular opportunities to attend sporting events throughout the year, plus a quarterly team budget for even more fun.
• Support for growing families – Up to 6 months of full pay for maternity leave.
• Stay active & save money – Cycle-to-work scheme and gym discounts to keep you moving.
• Work in style – at our newly renovated offices at Tailors Corner are just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station.
• And there’s more… – We’ll share even more perks related to your role when you chat with our Talent Acquisition team.