Payroll Operations Team Leader – EU Region

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and detail‑oriented Payroll Operations Team Leader to oversee payroll delivery for a portfolio of entities across the EU region. The role acts as the control point and technical escalation lead, managing a team of Payroll Seniors and ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing in a fast‑paced, multi‑jurisdictional environment.

Key responsibilities

• Perform second‑level review and sign‑off of payroll outputs, including variance analysis and statutory tax/social deduction checks.
• Review and approve termination and leaver payroll calculations, final pay, notice and holiday accruals.
• Serve as first point of escalation for HR Business Partners, Finance and other stakeholders.
• Track and report query resolution turnaround times and act as backup reviewer to preserve segregation of duties.
• Own and maintain statutory payroll calendars, filings, remittances and registers of statutory registrations per entity.
• Document country‑specific payroll rules, benefit‑in‑kind treatment and absence/leave policies.
• Maintain a controls matrix covering segregation of duties, approval limits and bank file controls.
• Run process‑mapping exercises to catalogue manual steps end‑to‑end across assigned entities.
• Oversee monthly/periodic statutory submissions, annual compliance reporting and audit readiness documentation.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting payroll and translate them into process updates.

Required profile

• Experienced payroll professional with strong attention to detail and regulatory awareness.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team of senior payroll specialists.
• Excellent stakeholder communication skills across HR, Finance and audit functions.

Required skills