Executive : Group Payroll & Associate Services

Massmart; Johannesburg; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Massmart is seeking an Executive for Group Payroll & Associate Services to lead strategic transformation and management of payroll operations. This role requires a strong background in finance, extensive experience in associate services management, and the ability to drive organizational change through innovative practices. The successful candidate will ensure seamless service delivery across the associate lifecycle while aligning with company objectives.

Qualifications

• 10-12 years' experience in associate services management at a senior strategic level.
• 5-6 years in a senior management role in Payroll and/or Associate Services.
• 3-5 years experience leading large-scale digital transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management and strategic transformation of payroll and associate services.
• Develop the transformational agenda and strategy for associate operations.
• Ensure a sustainable and stabilized payroll service for the business.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related fields

Job description

Executive : Group Payroll & Associate Services
Massmart City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Summary : To lead the management and strategic transformation of payroll and associate shared services into a fit-for-purpose, data-driven, and digitally enabled function that delivers scalable operations and a seamless end-to-end associate experience across the associate lifecycle.

Your responsibilities :

1. Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Develop the transformational agenda and strategy for the associate operations functions including payroll and associate services, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives, with an aim to seamlessly service associates across the full associate lifecycle.
• Influence organizational policies and practices in collaboration with senior leadership to integrate associate operations strategies effectively.
• Map out the integration of advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy across African operations and integration into the global operations.
• Structure a scalable payroll and associate services model that supports organizational growth and adapts to changes in workforce dynamics and regulations.
• Define benchmarks for performance and efficiency in associate services, systems, and processes, setting clear targets for continuous improvement.
• Anticipate future workforce and regulatory trends for future-proof payroll capabilities across all business units and jurisdictions.
• Champion payroll and associate services as the core pillar of the employee experience—ensuring on-time, and accurate payments.

1. Payroll Services

• Lead centralized payroll operations across all entities and countries, ensuring consistent execution while accommodating local statutory nuances.
• Ensure a sustainable and stabilized payroll service for the business through active engagement with internal and external stakeholders, based on in-depth knowledge of payroll systems and processes.
• Proactive planning on payroll system enhancements and changes to respond to business and legislative requirements to ensure compliance and increased efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on cyclical and monthly payroll processes to respond to capacity and capability requirements effectively.
• Own end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring alignment with organizational growth, M&A activity, and workforce complexity.
• Represent payroll at executive forums, providing strategic input on labor cost forecasting, compliance risk, and enterprise readiness for regulatory shifts.

Stay updated with industry trends, retail market conditions, and emerging technologies to identify and implement best practices in project execution for Massmart.

1. Associate Services

• Ensure delivery for the end-to-end associate services operations across the associate lifecycle to drive efficient service delivery.
• Develop a multi-year shared services roadmap supporting workforce growth, process harmonization, and service excellence.
• Lead continuous improvement and optimization of associate operations administration.
• Measure and improve onboarding/offboarding processes to enhance efficiency and satisfaction.
• Engage proactively with stakeholders to transform associate services in line with best practices.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with HR, Payroll, Finance, and IT to ensure seamless service experiences.

Governance and Compliance

• Establish and adhere to a comprehensive compliance framework across jurisdictions.
• Lead compliant end-to-end execution and process reviews.
• Regularly update policies to reflect legislative changes and best practices.
• Monitor and manage risks, implementing controls to prevent fraud and ensure data integrity.
• Establish service delivery models, SLAs, and performance metrics aligned with business needs.
• Represent the company in negotiations with regulatory bodies.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee payroll and associate services expenditure reports, forecasts, and variances.
• Ensure financial systems integration for seamless reporting.
• Leverage analytics for decision-making and KPI tracking.
• Develop models for resource allocation and cost management.
• Maintain high standards of financial reporting integrity.

Stakeholder Management and Communication

• Build effective communication channels with stakeholders.
• Advise senior leadership on strategic implications and solutions.
• Negotiate with vendors and service providers.
• Align systems and processes with organizational goals.
• Lead projects to improve system integration and service delivery.

Innovation and Optimization

• Champion technological and process innovations.
• Forecast trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Drive automation and streamline processes.
• Ensure integration of payroll systems with HRIS, Finance, and Attendance platforms.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives and foster a culture of excellence.

Leadership and Team Development

• Cultivate a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop training programs and mentor future leaders.
• Foster collaboration and innovation within the team.
• Evaluate performance and provide development resources.

Minimum Academic, Professional Qualifications and Experience :

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related fields.
• 10-12 years' experience in associate services management at a senior strategic level.
• At least 5-6 years in a senior management role in Payroll and/or Associate Services.
• Strong background in finance related to payroll, employee benefits, and shares.
• 3-5 years experience leading large-scale digital transformation and/or process reengineering initiatives.
• Proficient in process methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).

Core Competencies :

• Extensive HR Services, HR Systems, Tax, and statutory knowledge.
• Adaptability & work under pressure.
• Analytical skills, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Leadership and empowerment skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Time management and professional conduct.