Global Payroll Specialist (UK/EMEA) in London

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world’s challenges. An independent organization of creative thinkers and innovative doers collaborating from offices worldwide, our mission is to bring our clients' ideas to life and, in the process, lay the groundwork for a better, more resilient future. We provide support and opportunities to our employees to achieve their full potential and cultivate a rewarding career.

We are seeking a Global Payroll Specialist to join our growing Finance & Accounting team at Thornton Tomasetti. In this role, you will support the execution and administration of the company’s UK, EMEA, and wider international payroll operations, while also assisting with the implementation of new global payroll software. This is an exciting opportunity for a payroll professional who wants hands-on experience across international payrolls, while also contributing to process improvements, operational efficiency, and the development of scalable payroll practices that support a dynamic global organization. You will support the Global Payroll Manager and work closely with HR, business leadership, local payroll providers, and external vendors.

What you’ll do

• Manage operational activities for 5+ UK/EMEA payrolls in collaboration with the Global Payroll Manager and local administrators, while ensuring compliance and accurate reporting with in-country payroll vendors.
• Act as the primary escalation point for employee queries and provide expert guidance on regional payroll matters.
• Assist with the implementation of new global payroll software, partnering with the Global Payroll Manager and local vendors to resolve issues, complete registrations, and safeguard payroll accuracy.
• Review and validate HRIS to payroll integration files for employee changes and ensure all errors are resolved before payroll processing deadlines.
• Assist in developing and maintaining documentation for UK, EMEA, and international payroll processes.
• Own year-end activities, including P60s, annual declarations, local filings, P11D and payroll benefits, ensuring full statutory compliance.
• Monitor compliance with UK, EMEA, and international payroll, tax, and employment regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Provide support on other global payroll activities, including cross-regional payroll coordination and process standardization initiatives.

What you’ll bring

• 9+ Years of Experience with a proven track record in EMEA payroll, with specific expertise in the UK, Italy, Australia, and shadow payrolls.
• A "team-first" attitude with the ability to influence stakeholders in HR, Legal, and Global Finance.
• Proven ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment with meticulous attention to detail and minimum supervision.
• Experience using HRIS/HCM platforms such as Workday, Sage50, and ADP Celergo.
• Up to date knowledge of all payroll legislation e.g. PAYE, Court Orders, NICs, Statutory Payments.
• Flexible international working approach across time zones.
• Exposure to global payroll system implementations a plus.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Positive written and verbal communication skills with a customer-focused mindset.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Thornton Tomasetti is proud to be an equal employment workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Thornton Tomasetti are considered without regards to age, ancestry, color, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, race, religion (including beliefs and practices or the absence thereof), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.