Global Payroll Operations Lead (International)

James Gray Associates; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

JGA Recruitment Group Ltd seeks an International Payroll Operations Manager to lead end-to-end payroll delivery across multiple countries, blending team leadership with vendor management and country implementations. This role is a 12-month FTC based in Reading with hybrid work (3 days in office, 2 days at home).

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in EMEA/international payroll, strong leadership, and hands-on experience with payroll controls and outsourcing.

Qualifications

• 7+ years' international payroll experience.
• Experience with multi-country payroll operations.
• Proven team management and coaching experience.
• Experience managing outsourced payroll providers.
• Strong Excel and systems/process improvement mindset.
• CIPP qualified or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accurate, compliant and timely international payroll delivery from end to end.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing payroll team.
• Review and approve payrolls, reconciliations, payments and key controls.
• Manage relationships and performance with external payroll vendors.
• Lead payroll implementation and stabilisation for new countries and store openings.
• Own international payroll calendars, deadlines and statutory requirements.
• Drive process improvements, efficiencies and opportunities to bring activities in-house.
• Support payroll audits, system upgrades, testing and legislative changes.
• Act as a senior escalation point for complex payroll issues.
• Partner with key stakeholders and support wider global payroll projects and transformation.

Skills

EMEA payroll

Team management

Payroll controls

Vendor management

Excel

Stakeholder management

Project management

Education

CIPP qualification

Job description

JGA Recruitment Group Ltd seeks an International Payroll Operations Manager to lead end-to-end payroll delivery across multiple countries, blending team leadership with vendor management and country implementations. This role is a 12-month FTC based in Reading with hybrid work (3 days in office, 2 days at home).

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in EMEA/international payroll, strong leadership, and hands-on experience with payroll controls and outsourcing.