Regional Payroll Managers

PRIMARK; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Pension

Bonus

Leave 27 days

Job summary

Primark is seeking a Regional Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across multiple markets, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance with local laws and union agreements where applicable.

The role requires 7+ years of experience in EMEA payrolls, CIPP qualifications, and strong leadership skills. You will drive automation, manage vendor contracts, and develop robust controls within a fast-paced retail environment, partnering with global teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' experience of managing EMEA payrolls and payroll systems.
• Advanced level Excel/MS skills.
• Strong project management experience.
• Strong people leadership.
• Knowledge of payroll data flow from integrated systems e.g., HCM and Time and Attendance.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll operations across multiple markets in line with global processes.
• Oversee compliance with local labour laws and union agreements where applicable.
• Drive automation and standardised processes for a consistent service model.
• Manage external payroll vendor contracts and SLAs for in-country reporting.
• Develop and maintain robust payroll controls and audit readiness.
• Support annual Global Payroll budget preparation and cost management.
• Foster a high-performing team through recruiting, training, coaching and performance management.

Skills

EMEA payrolls management

Project management

People leadership

Change management

Payroll data flow

Advanced Excel

Education

CIPP qualification or equivalent

Job description

The Regional Payroll Managers are responsible for leading payroll operations across multiple markets. This includes overseeing the accurate and timely processing of payroll for store, warehouse, and head office colleagues, in line with global processes, while ensuring compliance with local labor laws, retail-specific scheduling practices, and union or collective agreements where applicable. The role is key to delivering a seamless employee pay experience and maintaining strong internal controls in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment,

Key responsibilities

• Lead the team to drive efficient operational processing through the adoption of automation where possible, application of standardised processes and delivery of a consistent service model
• Lead on delivery of the Payroll Roadmap for the Region
• Senior escalation point, for payroll failures, risks and errors
• Manage operational costs for the Region, driving a cost leadership mindset.
• Provide input to the preparation of the annual Global Payroll budget
• Design new payroll policies and processes where appropriate, in collaboration with the Global Process owner
• Support in the design and delivery of the payroll strategy and agreed global ways of working.
• Maintains a strong high-performing team through effective recruiting, training, coaching, team building, performance management and resource planning.
• Ensure payroll compliance with regional labor laws, minimum wage regulations, tax requirements, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Oversee the maintenance of audit-ready documentation and internal or external payroll audits.
• Implement strong internal controls to prevent payroll errors or fraud in high-volume retail environments.
• Foster and maintain positive relationships with internal stakeholders
• Maintain awareness of changes to current payroll legislation to advise the business on necessary changes
• Management of the external international payroll vendor contracts, including the on-going management of SLAs, service delivery, and ensuring compliance to in-country reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain robust Business Continuity plans for all payrolls.
• Lead internal and external audits within supported countries ensuring process improvements are introduced as necessary and in line with audit findings

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years' experience of managing EMEA payrolls and payroll systems.
• CIPP qualified or equivalent.
• Strong project management experience.
• Strong people leadership.
• A solid understanding of efficient and effective payroll processes.
• Change Management.
• Knowledge of payroll data flow from integrated systems e.g., HCM and Time and Attendance
• Demonstrates Primark behaviours and values, coach and develop team. Sound judgement, unquestionable ethics and integrity with a high degree of transparency and trust.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written to build strong relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced level excel/MS skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Detailed company and legislative knowledge for countries supporting.
• Demonstrates experience to work to deadlines and performing duties under pressure.
• Organisational and time management skills in managing multiple, diverse and sometimes conflicting priorities.
• Ability in managing sensitive matters whilst ensuring all Primark information remains confidential
• Ability to develop effective working relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Effective and persuasive communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in an understandable manner to all areas of the business.
• Ability to lead, influence and coach others.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, resilient and sees the bigger picture

About the team and culture

Does this sound like you? Great, because we can't wait to see what you'll bring. You'll be supported within a team of equally capable people, celebrating who you are and aiding you reach your potential. At Primark, we're excited about our future - and we're excited to develop yours.

What's a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you're making, the experiences you're having and the people you're with. You're our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.

What You'll Get People are at the heart of what we do here, so it's essential we provide you with the right environment to perform at your very best. Let's talk lifestyle: Healthcare, pension, and potential bonus. 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays and if you want, you can buy 5 more. Because Primark is all about tailoring to you, we offer Tax Saver Tickets, fitness centre, and a subsidised cafeteria., At Primark, people matter. They're the beating heart of our business and the reason we've grown from our first store in Dublin in 1969 to a £9bn+ turnover business and over 80,000 colleagues and over 440 stores in 17 countries today. Our values run through everything we do. In essence, we're Caring and always strive to put people first. We're also Dynamic, bravely pushing the boundaries to stay ahead. And finally, we succeed Together.

If you need any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request, during your recruitment journey, such as extended time or breaks between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, mobility access, and assistive technology please contact your talent acquisition specialist.

All offers of employment are subject to background checks, including right to work, reference education and for some roles criminal, and financial checks.

If you have any concerns, please reach out to our talent acquisition team to discuss.