Payroll Manager

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential, based in the UAE (Dubai), seeks a hands-on Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll for a large workforce and transform the function. You will govern processes, drive automation, revisions to pay structures, and build strong internal controls.

You will mentor the payroll team, ensure confidentiality, and partner with HR & Finance on budgeting and workforce cost analysis, all while staying compliant with UAE laws and WPS requirements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience with 3–5 years in a managerial role.
• Strong experience with high-volume end-to-end payroll operations in UAE.
• Proven track record in pay structure revisions and payroll changes.
• Experience in payroll automation, HRIS/payroll implementation, and process optimization.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE labour regulations, WPS, EOSB, and policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing for a large workforce with focus on accuracy, compliance, confidentiality and timely processing.
• Drive pay structure reviews and revisions, including salary structures, allowances, grades, increments and policies.
• Lead payroll automation and digital transformation initiatives to improve efficiency, controls and turnaround time.
• Oversee payroll reconciliation, reporting, audits, and coordination with HR & Finance.
• Ensure compliance with UAE labour regulations, WPS, EOSB and company policies.
• Lead payroll system enhancements, integrations, and process improvements.
• Partner with HR leadership on compensation reviews, budgeting, salary revisions and workforce cost analysis.
• Lead, coach and develop the payroll team while establishing robust SOPs and internal controls.

Skills

Payroll governance

Payroll automation

Process improvement

UAE labour regulations

Advanced Excel

Stakeholder management

People leadership

Problem solving

Tools

HRIS/Payroll system

Excel

Job description

A leading UAE-based bottled water & FMCG company is looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and transform its end-to-end payroll function.

This is a strategic role for a payroll professional who can go beyond payroll processing and drive payroll governance, automation, process improvement, pay structure revisions, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities :

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing for a large workforce with strong focus on accuracy, compliance, confidentiality, and timely processing.
• Drive pay structure reviews and revisions, including salary structures, allowances, grades, increments, and payroll policies.
• Lead payroll automation and digital transformation initiatives to improve efficiency, controls, and turnaround time.
• Oversee payroll reconciliation, reporting, audits, and coordination with HR & Finance.
• Ensure compliance with UAE labour regulations, WPS, EOSB, and company policies.
• Lead payroll system enhancements, integrations, and process improvements.
• Partner with HR leadership on compensation reviews, budgeting, salary revisions, and workforce cost analysis.
• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team while establishing robust SOPs and internal controls.

Ideal Candidate :

We are looking for a hands-on and transformation-oriented Payroll Manager with:

• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 3–5 years in a managerial/supervisory capacity.
• Strong experience managing high-volume, end-to-end payroll operations.
• Proven experience in pay structure revision and compensation-related payroll changes.
• Strong track record in payroll automation, HRIS/payroll implementation, and process optimization.
• Strong knowledge of UAE payroll, WPS, EOSB, and labour regulations.
• Advanced Excel and strong analytical/reporting skills.
• Excellent people leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, or other large workforce environments is preferred.