Payroll Operations Manager

A+F; Ireland; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading payroll and HR services provider in Ireland is looking for an experienced Payroll Operations Manager to lead a high-performing team and ensure efficient payroll services for over 14,000 employees. This strategic role requires expertise in payroll management and compliance, along with strong leadership and communication skills. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in process improvements and a qualification in a relevant discipline. This role offers a competitive salary and a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years' payroll management experience in a high-volume environment.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll principles and multi-jurisdictional payroll.
• Experience leading sizeable teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the payroll team for accurate payroll delivery.
• Drive operational excellence in payroll processing across locations.
• Oversee third-party relationships and ensure compliance.

Skills

Payroll management experience

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Process improvement

Leadership skills

Education

Qualification in Business, Finance, HR or related discipline

Professional payroll or HR certification

Job description

I have partnered with a well known city centre client who is looking to hire an experienced Payroll Operations Manager for their team.

Working as part of a large payroll team, this Manager will lead the delivery of accurate, compliant and efficient payroll services for more than 14,000 employees and pensioners across multiple jurisdictions.

This is a strategic leadership role where you’ll guide a high-performing payroll team, enhance processes and systems, and work closely with HR, Finance, IT, and external partners to ensure payroll operations are robust, efficient, and future-focused.

Responsibilities

• Lead and Develop the Payroll Team: Provide strategic leadership, mentoring, and professional development to a large payroll team, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of weekly, fortnightly, and monthly payroll cycles. Foster a culture of high performance, learning, and accountability.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Oversee all aspects of end-to-end payroll processing across Ireland and international locations, ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and internal policy requirements. Implement and maintain effective controls, audits, and risk management practices to protect payroll operations.
• Optimise Processes and Systems: Drive process improvements, automation, and system enhancements to optimise the efficiency and accuracy of payroll operations.
• Engage Stakeholders and Manage Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll matters, collaborating with HR, Finance, IT, and external partners. Manage all payroll communications across the Group, ensuring clarity, consistency, and responsiveness.
• Manage Third-Party Relationships: Oversee relationships with third-party providers, including international payroll vendors and Revenue authorities, to ensure seamless payroll services and compliance.
• Ensure Compliance and Robust Governance: Maintain full compliance with tax, social security, employment law, and relevant legislation. Lead the implementation of government budget changes and organizational reward models, and regularly prepare and present payroll reports and analytics to senior leadership.
• Champion Continuous Improvement and Change Management: Promote a culture of continuous improvement by leveraging technology and best practices, and lead or participate in cross-functional projects such as system upgrades, policy reviews, and organizational change initiatives.

Requirements

• 7+ years’ payroll management experience in a high-volume environment
• In-depth knowledge of payroll principles, systems, and best practices, including multi-jurisdictional payroll and international compliance.
• Experience leading and developing sizeable teams
• Strong understanding of employment contracts, reward models, and related HR processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Track record of driving process and systems improvements
• Qualification in Business, Finance, HR or related discipline
• Professional payroll or HR certification (e.g., IPASS, CIPP, CPP) is highly desirable.