Payroll Manager EMEA

The Walt Disney Company; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Walt Disney Company seeks a Payroll Manager for the EMEA region, responsible for overseeing payroll operations across multiple countries. This role involves leading a team, ensuring compliance, and improving payroll processes. Ideal candidates will have strong payroll management qualifications and experience in a multinational setup, with key responsibilities including stakeholder management and project leadership.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, regulations, and taxes across EMEA.
• Experience leading payroll teams in a multinational environment.
• High attention to detail and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll for 12-14 countries outside of the UK.
• Oversee timely and accurate payroll processing and reporting.
• Lead 5-6 Analysts on the EMEA Time and Payroll team.

Skills

Payroll management qualification

Leadership

Communication skills

Discretion

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service focus

Project management

Education

Payroll management qualification

Job description

Payroll Manager EMEA

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Job ID: 10124195

Location: London, United Kingdom

Business: The Walt Disney Company (Corporate)

Date posted: June 18, 2025

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. You will be the primary lead for payroll projects supporting business change through implementing best practice models and system solutions across the region. Direct line management and leadership development of payroll team members are also key responsibilities.

What You Will Do

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing, statutory reporting, and audit support for various lines of business within EMEA countries outside the UK.
• Ensure payroll processing by regional vendors meets or exceeds SLA, controls, and compliance standards.
• Manage and develop direct reports to support payroll operations and succession planning.
• Adapt departmental plans to address resource and operational challenges.
• Act as escalation point for payroll service issues and support timely resolution.
• Ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, meeting contractual obligations.
• Coordinate relationships with third-party payroll providers and internal partners for timely and accurate payroll processing.
• Approve periodic reports for management, authorities, and other recipients.
• Resolve payroll-related queries professionally and promptly, escalating as necessary.
• Oversee payments to third parties and ensure statutory deadlines are met.
• Support and provide coverage for other managers within EMEA.
• Ensure payroll compliance with audit controls and procedures.
• Troubleshoot SAP technical issues at a high level.
• Propose process improvements for efficiency.

Operational Lead

• Oversee Stock Options/RSU and LTIC payments.
• Support defining local technical and functional requirements.
• Facilitate payroll involvement in global and local initiatives.
• Provide strategic support for operations.
• Support resolution of supplier service failures.
• Share best practices across countries.
• Act as primary vendor contact for payroll governance.
• Establish regional strategies for vendor management.
• Implement standardized procedures and legal frameworks across EMEA.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders and authorities.
• Advise on payroll processes, compliance, and practices.
• Collaborate with global teams on programs and initiatives.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and internal controls.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Payroll management qualification.
• Experience leading payroll teams in a multinational environment.
• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, regulations, and taxes across EMEA.
• Ability to handle confidential information discreetly.
• Interest and knowledge of information systems.
• Experience driving change and managing projects.
• Proven ability to review and develop payroll policies.
• Experience with expenses, benefits, and tax treatments.
• High attention to detail, analytical skills.
• Experience in retail or entertainment payroll is a plus.
• Leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships across functions.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Decision-making and project management skills.
• Customer service focus.
• Discretion, diplomacy, confidentiality.

About The Walt Disney Company (Corporate):

Disney Corporate brings together the businesses behind Disney’s powerful brands, creating innovative and widely admired entertainment. Working here means collaborating with world-class leaders and contributing to storytelling that creates memories worldwide.

About The Walt Disney Company:

Disney, a leading global entertainment company, operates in over 40 countries with segments including Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From its origins as a cartoon studio, Disney has grown into a legacy of storytelling and entertainment for all ages.

This position is with The Walt Disney Company Limited, part of The Walt Disney Company (Corporate).

Disney is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or pregnancy.

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