Job Description

As

Manager, Payroll - HSO International

, you will take ownership of our global payroll and benefits function across multiple countries. This is a hands-on and high-impact role where you'll ensure payroll accuracy, compliance with local legislation, and smooth delivery of benefits programmes that support employee engagement and retention.


You'll be responsible for managing international payroll operations, vendor relationships, and benefits administration while driving efficiency, standardisation, and continuous improvement. You'll also partner closely with senior stakeholders across HR, Finance, and Legal to ensure payroll and benefits processes not only meet local compliance standards but also align with our global business strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and oversee payroll operations across all international locations (currently UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand), ensuring timely and accurate processing of salaries, variable pay, bonuses, commissions, statutory contributions, and benefits.


Maintain full compliance with local labour laws, tax regulations, social security requirements, and reporting obligations in every jurisdiction, adapting processes proactively in line with regulatory changes.


Ensure compliance with local legislation on benefits (e.g., pension auto-enrolment, healthcare mandates).


Manage and strengthen relationships with international payroll and benefits vendors and in-country providers, ensuring performance, cost-effectiveness, and SLA adherence.


Partner with HR, Finance, and Legal to define global payroll policies, align and enhance benefits packages, and ensure both payroll and benefits offerings are competitive, compliant, and strategically aligned.


Oversee the design, delivery, and administration of international employee benefits programmes (e.g. healthcare, pensions/retirement, insurances, allowances), monitoring take-up, usage, and effectiveness while driving improvements and cost savings.


Implement and enforce standardised payroll controls and governance across countries, including reconciliations, sign-off procedures, and risk mitigation strategies.


Support integrations between HRIS (e.g. Workday), time and attendance, and finance platforms to streamline data flow and reduce errors.


Deliver accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll and benefits reporting, reconciliation with accounting systems, and insights/analytics (e.g. cost reporting, compliance trends) for senior leadership.


Act as the primary point of contact for payroll and benefits matters, supporting employee queries, stakeholder escalations, and communication to ensure clarity and trust.


Lead audit preparation and act as the key contact for internal and external auditors, ensuring robust documentation and successful compliance outcomes.

About You

5+ years' payroll experience, with at least 2 years managing multi divisional payrolls.


Experience in employee benefits administration and vendor management.


Confident managing external payroll/benefit vendors and internal cross-functional teams.


Advanced Excel and payroll/HRIS system experience (ADP, Workday, CloudPay, Safeguard Global, etc.).


Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relentless focus on accuracy.


Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.


Experience leading payroll/benefits transitions, implementations, or consolidations.

What Success Looks Like

Payroll and benefits run seamlessly, accurately, and on time in every country.


Processes are standardised, efficient, and well-controlled across jurisdictions.


Employee queries on pay and benefits are resolved quickly and clearly.


Benefits offerings are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned internationally.


Audits and compliance reviews are passed without issue.


Payroll and benefits data provide valuable insights to HR and Finance for strategic decisions.


Stakeholders trust and rely on your expertise, accuracy, and professionalism.