Payroll Operations Manager – Africa & Expat

Communicate Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Unilever seeks an analytical Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll across Africa and expatriate payroll operations. You will coordinate with HR, Finance, Global Mobility, and external providers to ensure accurate, timely payroll processing in a complex multi-country landscape.

The role requires strong governance, controls, and continuous improvement mindset, with a focus on compliance and delivering an exceptional employee experience. Based in Durban, on-site role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Extensive payroll operations experience, including multi-country environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience leading change and transformation initiatives.
• Fluent English; French or additional African language is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple African markets.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, policies, and SLAs.
• Drive governance, controls, and continuous improvement in payroll services.
• Partner with Global Mobility and external providers for expatriate payroll.
• Provide expert payroll guidance and support across the organization.

Skills

People management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Administration or related field

Job description

Unilever seeks an analytical Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll across Africa and expatriate payroll operations. You will coordinate with HR, Finance, Global Mobility, and external providers to ensure accurate, timely payroll processing in a complex multi-country landscape.

The role requires strong governance, controls, and continuous improvement mindset, with a focus on compliance and delivering an exceptional employee experience. Based in Durban, on-site role.