Payroll Transformation Lead (2-year fixed-term contract)

About this role

Lead the Global Payroll transformation agenda, translating strategic priorities into clear workplans, deliverables and measurable outcomes. Act as a trusted transformation partner to the Global Payroll Lead, providing independent analysis, constructive challenge and practical recommendations on priorities. Own stakeholder engagement and progress tracking across the transformation portfolio, maintaining clear visibility of decisions, risks, dependencies and benefits.

Identify and assess opportunities to improve payroll operating models, processes, controls, technology and service delivery. Build credible business cases and recommendations that balance business value, feasibility, risk, control requirements, cost sensitivity and implementation implications. Lead structured problem-solving on complex payroll topics, including AI and automation opportunities, vendor options, operating-model improvements and process standardisation.

Translate complex payroll, technology, vendor and control issues into clear options and implementation plans for leadership review. Support the governance and sustainable implementation of approved changes by coordinating activities, communications, timelines, risks and stakeholder expectations. Embed continuous improvement in Global Payroll through scalable methods, governance approaches, KPIs, templates and lessons learned.

Contribute to the maturity of the Global Payroll function by identifying better ways of working and sharing reusable improvement practices. At least 8–10 years’ relevant experience in overseeing service delivery models of payroll, global payroll operations, payroll transformation, HR operations, global mobility payroll, consulting or a closely related field across multiple countries at a high-level. Strong knowledge of global payroll operations, end-to-end payroll processes.

Experience leading complex transformation, process improvement, operating-model review, technology assessment or organisational-change initiatives. Practical understanding of payroll governance, controls, compliance, risk management and outsourced, in-house or hybrid delivery models. Ability to analyse complex payroll issues, identify root causes and improvement opportunities, and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.