Payroll Team Leader - Europe

Cummins Inc.; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering company in Darlington is seeking an experienced Payroll Team Leader to oversee payroll operations across multiple European countries. This 12-month temporary role involves leading a team, ensuring compliance, and driving process improvements. Proven leadership and payroll expertise are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and communication skills to guide a diverse team.
• Advanced proficiency in payroll systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-country payroll operations.
• Proactive mindset for problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Intermediate-level experience in payroll administration.
• Familiarity with SOx controls and payroll-related tax compliance.
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of payroll professionals.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple countries.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll queries.
• Oversee SOx-compliant payroll approvals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with HR Operations and external vendors.
• Maintain and update payroll documentation.
• Stay ahead of legislative changes impacting payroll.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Data analysis with Excel

Education

Degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field

Intermediate experience in payroll administration

Tools

Payroll systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are looking for a talented Payroll Team Leader - Europe to join our team in Darlington, United Kingdom. This role will oversee payroll operations across multiple European countries, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service delivery. This is a 12-month temporary position covering maternity leave. In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:

• Lead and mentor a team of payroll professionals, fostering engagement and accountability through regular one-to-one meetings and performance reviews.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple European countries, maintaining compliance with local regulations and company policies.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll queries and system issues, driving timely and effective resolutions.
• Oversee SOx-compliant payroll approvals and serve as a signatory for manual payments, safeguarding financial integrity.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., 6S, VST, 7 Step) and contribute to process optimisation projects, including upcoming payroll implementations for Belgium and Italy.
• Collaborate closely with HR Operations, HR Business Partners, and external vendors to deliver seamless payroll services and meet service-level standards.
• Maintain and update payroll documentation and procedures to ensure audit readiness and compliance with internal controls.
• Stay ahead of legislative changes impacting payroll and implement necessary updates to processes and systems.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and communication skills to guide a diverse team and build effective stakeholder relationships.
• Advanced proficiency in payroll systems and Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-country payroll operations while ensuring accuracy and compliance under tight deadlines.
• A proactive mindset for problem-solving and continuous improvement, with resilience in handling challenges.
• Education/Experience: College, university, or equivalent degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Intermediate-level experience in payroll administration, preferably within a multi-country or European context.
• Familiarity with SOx controls, statutory reporting, and payroll-related tax compliance.
• Experience leading teams and managing performance cycles in a fast-paced environment.