Head of Payroll

About the role

We are partnering with a global organisation to recruit a Head of Payroll for their Edinburgh office. This senior role will lead a high‑performing payroll function across the EMEA region, driving strategy, operational excellence and the rollout of a unified payroll solution.

Key responsibilities

• Lead payroll operations across multiple EMEA jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery.
• Manage payroll governance, controls, reconciliations and audit readiness.
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives and vendor performance management.
• Lead, coach and develop payroll teams in Edinburgh and Dubai.
• Partner with Finance, HR, Legal, IT and external providers to deliver best‑in‑class payroll services.
• Support acquisitions and payroll integrations across the region.
• Play a key role in wider transformation and change programmes.

Required profile

• Extensive experience managing complex, multi‑country payrolls across the EMEA region.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, tax and statutory compliance requirements.
• Proven leadership experience within a regional payroll environment.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and stakeholder management skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Significant responsibility and visibility within a global organisation.
• Opportunity to shape and develop a growing shared services function.
• Leadership role with international exposure.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.