Head of Global Payroll

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Global Payroll to innovate and lead their payroll strategy across multiple regions. This pivotal role involves managing a large team and ensuring compliance with payroll operations while driving continuous improvement through technology adoption. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in payroll management and a proven track record in leadership and stakeholder engagement. Join this dynamic environment where your contributions will directly impact the company's operational excellence and employee satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 8+ years managing payroll processes in large organizations.
• Experience in leading large teams and managing stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement global payroll operating models and governance.
• Lead a diverse team across multiple regions and ensure SOX compliance.

Skills

End-to-end payroll management

Leadership and team management

Stakeholder relationship management

Technology and vendor management

Process design expertise

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Tools

Workday

SAP/S4 HANA

Job description

Job Description: Head of Global Payroll

As the Head of Global Payroll, you are responsible for the design, deployment, and governance of the global payroll operating model, strategy, service standards, key control environment, and leadership of the global payroll team across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions.

You are fully accountable for the compliant execution of end-to-end payroll operations in both in-house and outsourced setups, in line with People Services standards. You own the Global Payroll KPI Methodology, governance, and reporting, and manage third-party payroll providers. You coach and develop the global team, ensuring strong capacity planning, deployment, and alignment of the global strategy at regional levels. You also drive talent and succession strategies to attract and retain top talent.

You serve as the key global contact for stakeholders and senior leadership regarding the payroll process, ensuring alignment on strategic priorities affecting employee pay, operations, and controls.

What we expect from you:

• Innovate, design, implement, and maintain global payroll operating models, strategy, and governance.
• Lead a team of 35 people (including 4 direct reports) across 65 countries, 97 entities, and 4 business units.
• Manage operations across different time zones, business units, and a diverse country footprint, through in-house or outsourced payroll.
• Drive continuous improvement by leveraging best-in-class solutions and technologies to achieve operational excellence.
• Ensure SOX compliance.
• Manage payroll technology adoption (e.g., Workday, SAP/S4 HANA).
• Oversee change management, project management, escalation management, and HR operations.

Experience & Skills:

• 8+ years managing end-to-end payroll processes within large organizations, preferably with an SSC model.
• 6+ years in leadership roles managing large teams, including managers.
• Proven experience in designing operating models and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Strong track record in technology and vendor management.
• Experience in leading HR services alongside payroll is an asset.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and adapt in fast-paced, complex environments.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ownership and accountability.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Process design expertise.

Booking.com is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Pre-Employment Screening:

If your application is successful, your data may be used for pre-employment screening by a third party, as permitted by law. This may include verification of employment history, education, and other relevant information necessary for assessing your qualifications.