Payroll Operations Manager

WatersEdge Solutions; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Share incentive scheme

Generous vacation policy

Hybrid working model

Team perks including meals and snacks

Job summary

WatersEdge Solutions is seeking a Payroll Operations Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple territories. This role requires 2–5 years of operational experience and strong analytical skills to ensure compliance and efficiency. The ideal candidate should possess strong organizational and communication skills, and thrive in complex environments. The position offers a competitive salary, share incentive scheme, and a hybrid working model, alongside a culture built around growth and continuous development.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of operational experience required.
• Proficiency in managing complexity and ambiguity is essential.
• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations across multiple territories.
• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance across global operations.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Analytical and problem-solving ability

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Stakeholder management

Customer service mindset

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Location: Hybrid

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Global Payroll | HR Tech | Employer of Record

WatersEdge Solutions is partnering with a fast-growing global HR tech business to recruit a dynamic and detail-driven Payroll Operations Manager. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments and wants to play a key role in delivering accurate, scalable payroll operations across a global client base.

About the Role

As Payroll Operations Manager, you will oversee end-to-end payroll operations across multiple territories, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and excellent service delivery. This role is ideal for someone with strong operational discipline, analytical problem-solving ability, and a passion for improving processes in a high-growth, globally distributed environment. You’ll work closely with internal and external stakeholders across jurisdictions while helping to scale a world-class payroll function.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate end-to-end payroll processes across multiple territories
• Ensure payroll accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across global operations
• Manage and resolve payroll-related requests and queries promptly
• Build and manage strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders across jurisdictions
• Monitor stakeholder performance and ensure adherence to agreed SLAs
• Lead and support process improvement and payroll automation initiatives
• Drive efficiency and scalability across payroll operations
• Take ownership of high-impact projects and deadline-driven operational tasks
• Support the broader payroll operations function as business needs evolve

What You’ll Bring

• Relevant tertiary qualification
• 2–5 years of operational experience
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work comfortably with complexity and ambiguity
• Strong stakeholder management capability
• Affinity for technology and operational improvement
• Strong customer service mindset
• High energy, self-motivation, and positive attitude

Nice to Have

• Previous experience in global payroll
• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment
• Bi-lingual capability
• Exposure to automation or process optimisation projects

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary package
• Share incentive scheme
• Generous vacation policy
• Hybrid working model with flexibility and autonomy
• Team perks including meals, snacks, and a collaborative environment
• Opportunity to contribute to a scaling global payroll function in a high-growth business

Company Culture

This is a business built around growth, ownership, and continuous improvement. The culture values curiosity, collaboration, and high standards, with a strong bias toward impact and problem-solving. It’s a strong fit for someone who enjoys fast-paced environments, wants to contribute meaningfully, and is motivated by both challenge and long-term growth.