Global Payroll Transformation Manager

SAGE GROUP PLC; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a Payroll Transformation Manager to drive transformation across payroll teams globally. The ideal candidate will lead initiatives to streamline processes and implement new systems. This pivotal role requires collaboration with multiple departments to enhance operational excellence while ensuring compliance. Competitive benefits include generous bonuses and a matched pension scheme, with a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Generous bonuses and pension scheme

25 days of paid annual leave

Paid 5 days yearly to volunteer

Enhanced parental leave

Comprehensive health coverage

Work away scheme for up to 10 weeks

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading payroll transformations or large-scale operational improvements.
• Strong knowledge of global payroll, compliance, and controls.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead global payroll transformation programs aligned with business and operational goals.
• Drive process improvement and system optimisation across 22 countries.
• Engage cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution.

Skills

Leading payroll transformations

Project management

Communication skills

Change management

Tools

ADP

SAP

Job description

Job Description: We're seeking a Payroll Transformation Manager to drive end-to-end transformation across payroll teams in 22 countries. In this pivotal role, you'll lead initiatives to streamline processes, implement new systems, and embed automation-all while ensuring compliance, consistency, and scalability.

You'll work closely with Payroll, HR, Finance, IT, and external partners to deliver operational excellence and an enhanced employee experience. This role is required to work in the office 3 days a week and 2 from home.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead global payroll transformation programs aligned with business, compliance, and operational goals
• Drive process improvement, standardisation, and system optimisation across 22 countries
• Oversee the implementation of new tools, vendors, and technologies
• Embed change management, training, and support to ensure long-term adoption and success
• Engage cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure seamless execution and transition to business-as-usual
• Ensure governance, SOX compliance, and statutory adherence in partnership with audit and legal teams

Requirements

• Proven experience leading payroll transformations or large-scale operational improvements
• Strong knowledge of global payroll, compliance, and controls
• Excellent project and change management skills (Agile, Lean, Six Sigma)
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP or SAP
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement capabilities

Benefits

• Generous bonuses and pension scheme: Up to 8% matched pension contribution plus 2% top-up by Sage.
• 25 days of paid annual leave with the option to buy up to another 5 days
• Paid 5 days yearly to volunteer through our Sage Foundation
• Enhanced parental leave
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Work away scheme for up to 10 weeks a year
• Access to various helpful memberships for finances, health and wellbeing

Working at Sage means you're supporting millions of small and medium sized businesses globally with technology to work faster and smarter.