Head of Payroll, Benefits and Shared Services

African Parks Network; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

An international conservation organization in South Africa seeks a Head of Payroll, Benefits and Shared Services to enhance HR service delivery across Africa. The role involves ensuring all staff receive timely and accurate compensation and benefits, leading digital transformation in HRIS systems, and designing impactful benefit programs across diverse contexts. This position presents a unique opportunity to create a lasting legacy in a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in payroll management and shared services leadership.
• Strong understanding of HRIS systems and digital transformation.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-country payroll and benefits.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate pay and benefits for all staff.
• Create a hub for efficient payroll and HR service delivery.
• Lead digital transformation for HR processes.
• Design benefit programs that meet diverse needs.
• Establish systems that enhance the employee experience.

Job description

Overview

African Parks is reimagining conservation at scale. In partnership with governments and communities, we manage 23 protected areas across 13 countries, spanning over 20 million hectares of Africa’s most vital landscapes. With an ambitious target of 30 parks by 2030, we are scaling fast — restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, creating livelihoods, and delivering hope for future generations.

To achieve this, we need systems as reliable as our mission is bold. Payroll, benefits, and shared services are not just administrative tasks — they are the foundation of trust for thousands of people working on the frontlines of conservation.

We are seeking a Head of Payroll, Benefits and Shared Services: a strategist, a builder, and a custodian of accuracy who can transform how HR services are delivered across Africa.

Why This Role Is Extraordinary

This is not a routine payroll leadership post. It’s an opportunity to:

• Build the foundation of trust: Ensure every ranger, park manager, and community colleague receives accurate, timely, and transparent pay and benefits, no matter how remote the location.
• Professionalise shared services: Create a world-class hub that brings consistency, efficiency, and excellence to payroll, benefits, and HR service delivery.
• Drive digital transformation: Lead the adoption of modern HRIS systems, self-service tools, and data dashboards that bring clarity and control to a complex, multi-country environment.
• Shape benefits that matter: Design and govern programmes that balance compliance, competitiveness, and compassion, supporting staff and their families across diverse legal and cultural contexts.
• Leave a legacy of excellence: Put in place systems, governance, and teams that uplift the entire employee experience and will long outlast your tenure.

This is the kind of role that rarely exists: the operational rigour of a global shared services leader, the complexity of multi-country African payroll and benefits, and the chance to anchor your expertise to a mission that protects both people and planet.