Payroll Manager EMEA

Disney Parks and Resorts; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment company seeks a Payroll Manager for EMEA regions overseeing payroll processing for 12-14 countries. Responsible for team leadership, compliance, and strategic support, this role requires deep payroll knowledge and experience in multinational operations, emphasizing leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading payroll teams in multinational organizations.
• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, regulations, and taxes across EMEA.
• Project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing for multiple EMEA countries.
• Manage and develop direct reports to support payroll operations.
• Act as escalation point for payroll service issues.

Skills

Confidentiality

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Skills

Customer Service Focus

Change Management

Education

Payroll Management Qualification

Job description

Job Summary:

About the Role & Team

Manage EMEA Payroll for 12-14 countries outside of the UK across several lines of business within The Walt Disney Company. This role involves leading 5-6 Analysts on the EMEA Time and Payroll team and managing diverse stakeholders across the business. The primary responsibility is supporting payroll projects that drive business change through the implementation of best practice models and system solutions for approximately 12-14 countries in EMEA. The role also includes direct line management and leadership development of payroll team members.

What You Will Do

Core Responsibilities

1. Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing, statutory reporting, and audit support for various lines of business within EMEA countries outside the UK.
2. Ensure payroll processing by the regional vendor meets or exceeds established SLAs, controls, and compliance standards.
3. Manage and develop direct reports to support payroll operations and succession planning.
4. Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges.
5. Act as escalation point for all EMEA payroll service issues in assigned countries and support timely resolution through vendors.
6. Ensure employees receive accurate remuneration on the published pay dates, meeting contractual obligations.
7. Coordinate relationships between third-party payroll providers and Disney internal partners for timely and accurate payroll processing.
8. Approve periodic reports for management, local authorities, and other recipients.
9. Resolve payroll-related queries from employees and stakeholders professionally and promptly, escalating as needed.
10. Address legal entity questions regarding payroll processes.
11. Oversee payments to third parties and statutory deadlines.
12. Support and provide coverage for other payroll managers within EMEA.
13. Ensure payroll compliance with audit controls and procedures.
14. Troubleshoot SAP technical issues at a high level.
15. Propose system and process enhancements for efficiency improvements.

Operational Lead

1. Oversee Stock Options/RSU and LTIC payments for local and country transfers.
2. Support defining local technical and functional requirements.
3. Facilitate payroll involvement in global and local initiatives.
4. Provide strategic support for ongoing operations.
5. Address supplier service failures.
6. Share best practices across countries.
7. Act as primary vendor contact for payroll governance.
8. Establish regional strategy for vendor governance.
9. Implement standardized procedures and legal frameworks across EMEA.
10. Manage relationships with stakeholders and authorities.
11. Advise on payroll processes, compliance, and best practices.
12. Coordinate with global teams on new programs and initiatives.
13. Ensure regulatory compliance and internal controls.

Required Qualifications & Skills

1. Payroll management qualification.
2. Significant experience leading payroll teams in large multinational organizations.
3. Strong knowledge of payroll practices, regulations, and taxes across EMEA countries.
4. Ability to handle confidential information discreetly.
5. Interest and knowledge of information systems.
6. Experience with change management and transformation.
7. Proven ability to review and develop payroll policies and procedures.
8. Experience with expenses, benefits, and tax treatments.
9. High attention to detail, analytical and accounting skills.
10. Experience in retail or entertainment sectors is a bonus.
11. Leadership skills to achieve team objectives.
12. Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
13. Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
14. Excellent interpersonal skills, respectful and open communication.
15. Good decision-making skills.
16. Project management experience.
17. Flexibility regarding responsibilities and deadlines.
18. Customer service focus.
19. Diplomatic, discreet, and confidential approach.

About The Walt Disney Company (Corporate):

At Disney Corporate, you see how the company's brands come together to create innovative entertainment. Working here connects you with world-class leaders and storytellers creating memorable experiences for families globally.

About The Walt Disney Company:

Disney is a leading international entertainment and media enterprise with segments including Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. With operations in over 40 countries, Disney creates stories and experiences cherished worldwide. This position is with The Walt Disney Company Limited, part of The Walt Disney Company (Corporate).

Disney is an equal opportunity employer, fostering a culture of inclusion where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, and stay relevant.