Job Description

Draken Europe offers exciting careers that matter.

We believe that mission success does not start with the mission itself. It begins with our people.

Draken also believes in fair reward and recognition for our employees. As such, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including up to 12% matching pension contributions, bonus incentives, discounted PMI, electric car scheme, tech vouchers, wellbeing programmes and much more.

The Role

We're looking for a meticulous and experienced

Payroll Manager

to lead our payroll function across multiple jurisdictions. This is a pivotal role within our Finance team, working closely with our HR Payroll Coordinator to ensure our people are paid accurately, compliantly, and on time--wherever they are in the world.

As we implement a new payroll and HRIS system, you'll be instrumental in driving process improvements, so experience working through a system migration is advantageous. You will also be key to ensuring tax compliance, and supporting global mobility initiatives, there for we are looking for someone with either strong payroll experience and willingness to learn global mobility, or someone with extensive global mobility experience and familiarity with payroll, with the willingness to learn more about payroll.

This role will be based at our HQ in Hurn, Bournemouth, and we are open to both full time or part time applicants - part time being minimum of 4 full working days per week.

The standard hours for this role are 8:30 - 4:30, with an earlier finish on a Friday.

What You'll Be Doing

Managing end-to-end payroll operations across UK and international locations. Ensuring compliance with statutory, legal, and tax requirements. Liaising with external payroll providers and internal teams to ensure data accuracy. Overseeing pension payments, off-cycle payments, and payroll-related benefits. Supporting international assignments and remote working arrangements from a payroll and tax perspective. Driving payroll system improvements and supporting new country implementations. Partnering with HR, Finance, and external advisors to ensure seamless operations and compliance.

What You'll Bring

Proven experience managing payroll across multiple countries. Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance standards. Experience with payroll systems and integrations. Professional qualification (e.g., CIPP, ATT, CTA) preferred. Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and stakeholder engagement. Proficiency in MS Excel and a proactive approach to learning and development.

Why Join Draken Europe?

At Draken Europe, we're proud to support defence and security operations with cutting-edge aviation and technology solutions. You'll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team where your expertise makes a real impact.

Our employee values

Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all.

At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken Europe team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect.

We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications.

In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.

About Us

Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary-wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off. Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Work Location: In person