EMEA Payroll Manager

EMEA Payroll Manager (6 month contract / Day rate / Inside IR35)📍 Hammersmith, London (Hybrid)

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced EMEA Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across multiple international territories. This is an exciting opportunity to manage payroll for 12–14 countries across the EMEA region, working within a dynamic, fast-paced and globally recognised organisation.

You will oversee end-to-end payroll delivery, lead a high-performing team, and play a key role in driving process improvements, compliance, and system enhancements across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Leadership & Delivery
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple EMEA countries
• Oversee statutory reporting, audits, and compliance with local regulations
• Manage payroll vendor performance against SLAs and governance standards
• Act as the escalation point for payroll-related issues and ensure swift resolution
• Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and third-party providers
• Team Management & Development
• Lead, coach and develop a team of 5–6 payroll analysts
• Support succession planning and continuous professional development
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment
• Operational Excellence & Projects
• Drive payroll transformation initiatives and system improvements
• Lead or support payroll-related projects, including implementation of best practices
• Oversee stock options, RSUs and incentive-related payroll activities
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, controls, and processes
• Ensure consistent application of governance frameworks and internal controls
• Stakeholder & Compliance Management
• Partner with HR, Finance, and senior business leaders across regions
• Ensure all payroll activities meet statutory deadlines and audit requirements
• Provide expert advice on payroll regulations, processes, and best practice
• Support cross-functional and global initiatives
• Skills & Experience

Required

• Proven experience managing payroll within a multi-country EMEA environment
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions
• Experience leading and developing payroll teams within a large organisation
• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail
• Experience working with payroll systems (SAP knowledge advantageous)
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and process improvement
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Desirable
• Payroll qualification
• Experience in a large, complex or global organisation
• Background in retail, media, or entertainment sectors
• Project management experience
• What’s on Offer
• Opportunity to work in a globally recognised, fast-moving organisation
• Exposure to complex, multi-country payroll operations
• Career progression within an international environment
• Collaborative and supportive team culture
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Apply Now
• If you’re a proactive and detail-oriented payroll professional looking to step into a strategic regional role, we’d love to hear from you.