Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title Regional Payroll Manager - Growth Markets


Reports To Head of Global Payroll


Team Payroll


Location Primark House, Reading


Job Type Fixed Term



Primark is an international clothing retailer employing more than 70,000 colleagues across 16 countries in Europe and the US. Founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penneys brand, Primark aims to create maximum joy at minimum cost - less money and less impact on the planet. Primark continues to expand across new and existing markets with the aim of reaching 530 stores by the end of 2026. Every person impacts the culture at Primark. Our values: Caring (we always strive to put people first), Dynamic (we bravely push the boundaries to stay ahead) and Together (we learn more, laugh more and achieve more as a team) outline the behaviours we expect of our people as we work with each other, our customers, our suppliers and our partners. Let's see what impact you can make!



Purpose of the Role

Leading payroll operations across multiple markets. This includes overseeing the accurate and timely processing of payroll for store, warehouse, and head office colleagues, in line with global processes, while ensuring compliance with local labour laws, retail-specific scheduling practices, and union or collective agreements where applicable. The role is key to delivering a seamless employee pay experience and maintaining strong internal controls in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment.



Duties & ResponsibilitiesLead the team to drive efficient operational processing through the adoption of automation where possible, application of standardised processes and delivery of a consistent service model Lead on delivery of the Payroll Roadmap for the Region SME in delivery of new payroll implementations Escalation point, to support with payroll errors Manage operational costs for your Region, driving a cost leadership mindset. Provide Input to the preparation of the annual Global Payroll budget Design new payroll policies and processes where needed in collaboration with the Global Process owner Support in the design and delivery of the payroll strategy and agreed Global ways of working. Align processes for countries with Global Process Owner. Maintains a strong high-performing team through effective recruiting, training, coaching, team building, performance management and resource planning. Ensure payroll compliance with regional labour laws, minimum wage regulations, tax requirements, and collective bargaining agreements. Maintain audit-ready documentation and manage internal or external payroll audits. Implement strong internal controls to prevent payroll errors or fraud in high-volume retail environments. Fosters and maintains positive relationships with the internal stakeholder groups Awareness of changes to current payroll legislation to advise the business on necessary changes Management of the external international payroll vendor contracts, including the on-going management of SLAs, service delivery and ensuring compliance to in-country reporting requirements. Develop and maintain robust Business Continuity plans for all payrolls Lead internal and external audits within supported countries ensuring process improvements are introduced as necessary and in line with audit findings Responsible for defining, measuring, and adhering to appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) established under the service delivery model


Skills & Experience

Essential

Minimum 7+ years' experience of EMEA payrolls and payroll systems including people management. CIPP qualified or equivalent. Strong project management experience. Strong vendor and stakeholder management. Hands on approach to problem solving. Forward thinking/future visionary, identify process improvements. Strong people leadership. A solid understanding of efficient and effective payroll processes. Change Management. Knowledge of payroll data from connecting systems e.g., HCM and Time and Attendance set ups. Demonstrates Primark behaviours and values, coach and develop team. Sound judgement, unquestionable ethics and integrity with a high degree of transparency and trust. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written to build strong relationships with all internal and external stakeholders. Advanced level excel/MS skills. Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills. Detailed company and legislative knowledge for countries supporting. Demonstrates experience to work to deadlines and performing duties under pressure. Organisational and time management skills in managing multiple, diverse and sometimes conflicting priorities. Ability in managing sensitive matters whilst ensuring all Primark information remains confidential to the business. Ability to develop effective working relationships across all levels of the organisation. Effective and persuasive communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in an understandable manner to all areas of the business. Ability to lead, influence and coach others. * Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, resilient and sees the bigger picture.