Senior Manager, Payroll | South Africa

Deel; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A global payroll and HR platform is seeking a Senior Manager of Payroll Operations to oversee the payroll team in South Africa. This role involves driving strategic vision for payroll and leading optimization initiatives. Candidates should have extensive payroll experience, including leadership roles, with a focus on compliance and operational excellence. Offers competitive pay and benefits, with a diverse workplace culture.

Benefits

Stock grant opportunities

Remote work flexibility

Optional WeWork access

Qualifications

• 10 years of payroll experience, including 5 years in leadership roles.
• Experience managing international payrolls and distributed teams.
• Deep knowledge of global payroll compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll teams and deliver accurate, compliant, timely payroll.
• Develop and execute payroll operations strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding and ongoing development of the internal payroll team.

Skills

Payroll Management

Analytical skills

Project management

Team leadership

Tools

Dayforce

Paychex

Ceridian

Workday

Job description

Who we are is what we do.

Deel is the all‑in‑one payroll and HR platform for global teams. Our vision is to unlock global opportunity for every person, team and business. Built for the way the world works today, Deel combines HRIS, payroll, compliance, benefits performance and equipment management into one seamless platform. With AI‑powered tools and a fully owned payroll infrastructure, Deel supports every worker type in 150 countries, helping businesses scale smarter, faster and more compliantly.

Among the largest globally distributed companies in the world, our team of 6,000 spans more than 100 countries, speaks 74 languages and brings a connected and dynamic culture that drives continuous learning and innovation for our customers.

Why should you be part of our success story

As the fastest‑growing Software as a Service (SaaS) company in history, Deel is transforming how global talent connects with world‑class companies, breaking down borders that have traditionally limited both hiring and career opportunities. We’re not just building software; we’re creating the infrastructure for the future of work, enabling a more diverse and inclusive global workforce. In 2024 alone we paid $11.2 billion to workers in nearly 100 currencies and provided healthcare and benefits to workers in 109 countries, ensuring people get paid and protected no matter where they are.

Our momentum is reflected in our achievements and customer satisfaction: CNBC Disruptor 50, Forbes Cloud 100, Deloitte Fast 500 and repeated recognition on Y Combinator’s top companies list—all while maintaining a 4.83 average rating from 15,000 reviews across G2, Trustpilot, Captera, Apple and Google.

Your experience at Deel will be a career accelerator. At the forefront of the global work revolution, you’ll tackle complex challenges that impact the working lives of millions. With our momentum backed by a $12 billion valuation and $1 billion Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in just over five years, you’ll drive meaningful impact while building expertise that makes you a sought‑after leader in the transformation of global work.

Summary

As Senior Manager of Payroll Operations, you’ll oversee our payroll team in South Africa, drive the strategic vision for payroll and lead optimization initiatives. You will oversee compliance accuracy and operational excellence through strong vendor and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll teams and deliver accurate, compliant, timely payroll.
• Develop and execute payroll operations strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding and ongoing development of the internal payroll team.
• Oversee vendor relationships and negotiate service agreements.
• Monitor OKRs and lead initiatives to improve payroll performance.
• Design and implement training documentation and compliance standards.
• Work cross‑functionally with product engineering and internal teams to drive scale and efficiency.
• Manage budgets and identify efficiency opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10 years of payroll experience, including 5 years in leadership roles.
• Experience managing international payrolls and distributed teams.
• Deep knowledge of global payroll compliance.
• Strong leadership, analytical and project management skills.
• Experience working cross‑functionally.

Total Rewards

Our workforce deserves fair and competitive pay that meets them where they are. With scalable benefits, rewards and perks, our total rewards programs reflect our commitment to inclusivity and access for all.

Some things you’ll enjoy

• Stock grant opportunities dependent on your role, employment status and location.
• Additional perks and benefits based on your employment status and country.
• The flexibility of remote work including optional WeWork access.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy or maternity, or other legally protected characteristics.

We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects different abilities, backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, identities and perspectives. We will provide accommodation on request throughout the recruitment, selection and assessment process for applicants with disabilities.

Key Skills: Dayforce, Paychex, Payroll Management, Ceridian, Paylocity, SOX, Payroll, ADP, Kronos, Human Resources, JD Edwards, Workday.

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1