EMEA Payroll Manager – Temp to Perm

About the role

We are seeking an experienced EMEA Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for a global entertainment brand across 12‑14 European, Middle‑East and African countries (excluding the UK). The role will oversee a team of Payroll Analysts and manage relationships with outsourced payroll providers, ensuring accurate, compliant payroll delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a team of Payroll Analysts.
• Oversee end‑to‑end payroll processing for multiple EMEA jurisdictions.
• Manage relationships with external payroll vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure payroll accuracy, statutory compliance, reporting and audit readiness.
• Drive payroll transformation projects, system enhancements and continuous process improvements.
• Act as escalation point for complex payroll and vendor issues.
• Promote best practice, standardisation and operational excellence across the region.

Required profile

• Payroll management qualification or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience managing multi‑country EMEA payroll within a large, complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of EMEA payroll legislation, compliance and governance.
• Experience managing outsourced payroll providers.
• Leadership, stakeholder and change‑management capabilities.
• Exposure to SAP Payroll or similar HRIS/payroll systems is highly desirable.

Required skills

• SAP Payroll