Global Payroll Director

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end payroll processing across 41 countries, covering approximately 3,500 employees; Manage a multi-platform environment spanning ADP GlobalView, ADP Streamline, Deel, and standalone country solutions; Maintain accuracy, timeliness, and audit readiness across all pay cycles; Develop and enforce payroll controls, reconciliation processes, and exception-handling procedures; Ensure statutory compliance across all operating jurisdictions: tax withholding, social contributions, mandatory benefits, and local labor law; Maintain GDPR-compliant data handling across all payroll platforms and vendor integrations; Lead the function's response to regulatory inquiries, audits, and country-specific legislative changes; Partner with Legal and local advisors to stay ahead of regulatory change; Lead the ongoing transformation of the global payroll function; Identify and implement process improvements that reduce error rates, cycle time, and manual effort; Evaluate and implement AI and automation tools within the payroll function; Set and communicate a forward-looking operating model for the function; Own the performance and contractual obligations of all payroll vendors, including ADP and Deel; Develop SLA oversight, escalation protocols, and performance review cadences for all payroll vendors; Lead contract renewals and renegotiations in partnership with Finance and Legal; Evaluate the vendor landscape on an ongoing basis; Partner with Finance to ensure accurate GL mapping, reconciliation, and period-end close processes; Provide payroll cost reporting that meets the standards of a financial control environment; Ensure multi-currency payroll is handled with appropriate exchange rate discipline and documentation; Lead, develop, and hold accountable the global payroll team across all regions; Build team capability in line with the function's transformation agenda, including AI literacy; Manage performance proactively: development plans, corrective action, and succession thinking; Partner with Talent Acquisition to hire into gaps and build a bench for the future

Requirements

10 or more years of payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing multi-country payroll; Experience managing payroll across multiple countries spanning more than one region; Demonstrated track record of leading a meaningful operational transformation in payroll or a comparable function; Hands-on experience implementing or adopting AI or automation tools in an operational payroll environment; Working knowledge of GDPR and multi-jurisdictional statutory payroll compliance (tax, social contributions, mandatory benefits); Proven ability to manage enterprise payroll vendor relationships, including SLA oversight and contract negotiation; Direct people management experience, including performance management and team development

Nice to have

Experience with ADP GlobalView, ADP Streamline, ADP Azets, Deel, or Workday specifically; Familiarity with EMEA statutory requirements across multiple jurisdictions; Experience in payments, technology, or a matrixed global organization; Experience with payroll-to-GL integration and multi-currency reconciliation at scale; Experience managing payroll in countries served by standalone or non-standard platforms; Familiarity with Workday Global Payroll Connect (GPC) or equivalent HCM-to-payroll integration architecture