Payroll Lead

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We are supporting our client – a globally recognized, stable, and innovative leader in the chemical manufacturing sector – in a search for a Payroll Lead . This is a unique opportunity to join the business during a critical EU-wide payroll transformation , and to play a strategic and hands-on role from implementation through to steady-state operations.

The company is currently rolling out a multi-country payroll and time & attendance harmonization project across its EU entities.

The Role

We are looking for a senior payroll expert with deep knowledge of payroll operations, change management, and vendor coordination. The successful candidate will lead this transformation, help shape and implement the new model, and eventually take over responsibility for managing the regional payroll and time & attendance function , including a small international team and vendor oversight.

This is not just a strategic leadership role – we are looking for someone who is also operationally hands-on , pragmatic, and collaborative. You’ll work directly with HR teams (many of whom are not payroll specialists), guide them through the change, and support them in understanding and adapting to the new processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and drive the payroll outsourcing and harmonization project across all EU entities
• Manage the relationship with the external vendor and ensure accurate and timely service delivery
• Support internal HR teams by providing education, coaching, and guidance throughout the transformation
• Build and lead a small regional team covering payroll operations, time & attendance, and HR administration
• Oversee implementation and integration of a digital T&A system that feeds into payroll
• Act as the key point of contact for all payroll-related matters across the EU region
• Ensure smooth and timely communication between all internal and external stakeholders
• Bring structure, discipline, and accountability to a fast-moving transformation environment
• Stay on post-transformation to lead the newly created regional payroll function

Ideal Candidate Profile

Why Consider This Role?