Manager, Payroll Transformation & Process Optimization

About the role

Lead the design, optimization and continuous improvement of global payroll processes, ensuring they are standardized, compliant, timely and digitally enabled across multiple countries. Partner closely with regional payroll teams, technology, risk and vendors to deliver scalable solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with Payroll leadership to define future‑state process standards and support global payroll process design and optimization.
• Manage the Payroll Transformation portfolio, including intake, prioritisation, roadmap and work sequencing.
• Develop and maintain clear payroll process flows and documentation that reflect global standards and local legal requirements.
• Collaborate with Product & Engineering to automate payroll processes and data flows, leveraging Workday Payroll and external vendor solutions.
• Provide use cases, execute user‑testing and validate that optimized designs are system‑enabled and fit‑for‑purpose.
• Use performance metrics to identify trends, prioritise optimisation opportunities and track improvements.
• Support governance with P&C, Tax, Risk & Compliance and payroll providers to ensure service quality, regulatory adherence and data security.

Required profile

• 7+ years of experience in global payroll operations, process design or shared services.
• Proven ability to design, standardise and govern end‑to‑end processes in complex, matrixed global organisations.
• Strong knowledge of statutory compliance, audit requirements, SOX controls and risk management frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with influence across regions and senior leadership.

Required skills

• Workday Payroll
• Payroll platforms and ecosystem integration
• Automation and workflow tools (including AI‑enabled capabilities)