EMEA Payroll Lead: Transform & Elevate Compliance

Cushman & Wakefield; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield seeks an EMEA Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across multiple countries within the EMEA region. You will ensure accurate, timely payroll processing and maintain governance, controls, and compliance with local regulations.

You will guide regional teams, manage vendor relationships, and drive transformation projects, including system implementations and process standardisation. The role requires strong leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and a detail-oriented

Qualifications

• Significant payroll management experience across multiple EMEA countries.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, tax regulations, and compliance requirements within EMEA.
• Experience managing third-party payroll providers and outsourced payroll services.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple EMEA countries.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.
• Manage relationships with payroll providers and key internal stakeholders.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll matters and issue resolution.
• Support, coach, and coordinate regional payroll team members.
• Drive payroll process standardisation, optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures, controls, and documentation.
• Lead payroll-related projects, including system implementations, harmonisation, and transformation initiatives.
• Partner with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors on cross-functional projects.
• Drive change management and adoption of new payroll processes and technologies.
• Ensure compliance with local labour laws, tax regulations, and company policies.
• Manage payroll governance, risk controls, and SOX audit requirements.
• Monitor legislative changes across the EMEA region and implement required updates.
• Deliver a high-quality payroll service that supports employees and business stakeholders.

Skills

Payroll management

EMEA compliance

Stakeholder management

Leadership

SOX controls

Advanced Excel

Payroll systems

Tools

Excel

HR systems

Payroll software

Job description

Cushman & Wakefield seeks an EMEA Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across multiple countries within the EMEA region. You will ensure accurate, timely payroll processing and maintain governance, controls, and compliance with local regulations.

You will guide regional teams, manage vendor relationships, and drive transformation projects, including system implementations and process standardisation. The role requires strong leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and a detail-oriented