Director, Global Payroll Service Delivery

We are supporting a confidential search for an experienced Director, Global Payroll Service Delivery to lead the strategy, execution and ongoing transformation of a complex international payroll operation within the HR, payroll and workforce technology space.

This role will be responsible for driving operational excellence, service quality, process optimisation, vendor strategy and scalable payroll delivery across a broad multi-country environment.

Apply (by clicking the relevant button) after checking through all the related job information below.

The Director will combine deep global payroll expertise with strong experience in client service, implementation, transformation and programme leadership. They will lead senior payroll teams and work across multiple functions to ensure payroll services are accurate, compliant, efficient and consistently delivered.

The successful candidate will bring a strong operational mindset, sound commercial judgement and the ability to improve both the client experience and the underlying payroll delivery model.

What You'll Do

Global Payroll Service Delivery

• Lead the delivery of accurate, timely and efficient payroll services across a complex international environment.
• Oversee the end-to-end payroll delivery lifecycle, including data collection, payroll processing, validation, funding, treasury coordination and associated billing activities.
• Establish clear service standards, controls and accountability across global payroll operations.
• Monitor payroll performance, service quality, accuracy and operational risk, taking action where improvement is required.
• Build a consistent service delivery culture focused on reliability, responsiveness and continuous improvement.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Promote strong client engagement through responsive, professional and solutions-focused service.
• Act as a senior escalation point for complex payroll delivery, operational and client matters.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders to resolve service issues and improve the overall client experience.
• Build strong relationships with senior client and business stakeholders and ensure expectations are clearly managed.
• Use service feedback, operational data and recurring themes to identify opportunities for improvement.

Payroll Transformation & Process Improvement

• Define and deliver a global payroll transformation roadmap aligned with business, client and compliance priorities.
• Lead initiatives that improve payroll accuracy, scalability, efficiency and automation.
• Standardise payroll processes, controls and operating practices across countries and regions where appropriate.
• Identify opportunities to simplify complex payroll workflows and reduce manual intervention.
• Develop scalable operating models that support business growth and increasing payroll complexity.

Governance, Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain governance frameworks covering payroll processes, controls, documentation and reporting.
• Ensure payroll procedures and operating standards remain current and consistently applied.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, HR and other relevant teams to support compliance with local payroll, tax and employment requirements.
• Strengthen payroll controls, audit readiness and operational risk management.
• Ensure payroll data is handled securely and accurately across systems, teams and third-party providers.

Implementation & Programme Leadership

• Lead complex global payroll implementations, migrations and operational change programmes.
• Oversee the transition of new countries, clients, systems or payroll models into business-as-usual operations.
• Establish clear implementation governance, milestones, ownership and risk management.
• Partner with implementation, technology and operational teams to ensure effective handover and long-term service stability.
• Drive change adoption across international payroll teams and ensure new processes and systems are embedded successfully.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Own strategic relationships with payroll vendors and external service providers.
• Drive vendor performance through clear service expectations, governance, performance metrics and regular reviews.
• Lead vendor consolidation, optimisation and transition initiatives where appropriate.
• Assess vendor performance across service quality, compliance, capability, scalability and commercial value.
• Work with Procurement, Finance and other stakeholders on vendor strategy and contract decisions.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Finance, HR, Legal, Technology, Implementation and other operational teams to support effective payroll delivery.
• Ensure payroll systems, operational processes and data flows are aligned across functions.
• Support the development of scalable global operating models and service delivery standards.
• Provide senior leadership with clear insights into payroll performance, risk, transformation progress and operational priorities.

Key Requirements

Required

• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including significant leadership responsibility within global or multi-country payroll operations.
• Strong experience leading complex, high-volume international payroll environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading global payroll implementations, transitions or large-scale transformation programmes.
• Proven track record of improving payroll operations, processes, controls and service delivery.
• Strong understanding of international payroll compliance, taxation and employment-related requirements.
• Experience managing complex payroll vendor relationships and third-party service providers.
• Strong operational governance, risk management and control experience.
• Experience working directly with clients or senior stakeholders in a service delivery environment.
• Strong programme and change management capability.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to operate effectively across multiple countries, cultures, functions and time zones.

Preferred

• Experience within payroll technology, HR technology, SaaS, professional services or another complex international service environment.
• Experience working across the Americas, EMEA and APAC.
• Background in payroll consulting, advisory, implementation or HR transformation.
• Experience leading vendor consolidation or payroll platform transformation programmes.
• Payroll certification such as CPP, GPP or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Experience working within a technology-enabled payroll delivery model.

Leadership Profile

We are looking for a leader who:

• Combines strategic thinking with strong operational execution.
• Has deep knowledge of international payroll delivery and understands the realities of complex multi-country operations.
• Is comfortable leading large-scale transformation while maintaining day-to-day service quality.
• Builds strong relationships with clients, vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Uses data, service metrics and operational insight to drive better decisions.
• Can simplify complex operational challenges and establish clear accountability.
• Leads teams effectively across different countries and cultures.
• Has a strong focus on service quality, compliance, scalability and continuous improvement.
• Is comfortable operating in a fast-moving, internationally distributed environment.

This is a confidential search. xhyhwjd Further information regarding the organisation, reporting structure and scope of the opportunity will be shared with selected candidates during the recruitment process.