Payroll Lead

We are supporting our client – a globally recognized, stable, and innovative leader in the chemical manufacturing sector– in a search for a Payroll Lead. This is a unique opportunity to join the business during a critical EU-wide payroll transformation, and to play a strategic and hands-on role from implementation through to steady-state operations.

The company is currently rolling out a multi-country payroll and time & attendance harmonization project across its EU entities.

The Role We are looking for a senior payroll expert with deep knowledge of payroll operations, change management, and vendor coordination. The successful candidate will lead this transformation, help shape and implement the new model, and eventually take over responsibility for managing the regional payroll and time & attendance function, including a small international team and vendor oversight.

This is not just a strategic leadership role – we are looking for someone who is also operationally hands-on, pragmatic, and collaborative. You’ll work directly with HR teams (many of whom are not payroll specialists), guide them through the change, and support them in understanding and adapting to the new processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and drive the payroll outsourcing and harmonization project across all EU entities 
• Manage the relationship with the external vendor and ensure accurate and timely service delivery
• Support internal HR teams by providing education, coaching, and guidance throughout the transformation
• Build and lead a small regional team covering payroll operations, time & attendance, and HR administration
• Oversee implementation and integration of a digital T&A system that feeds into payroll
• Act as the key point of contact for all payroll-related matters across the EU region
• Ensure smooth and timely communication between all internal and external stakeholders
• Bring structure, discipline, and accountability to a fast-moving transformation environment
• Stay on post-transformation to lead the newly created regional payroll function

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven experience leading payroll transformations, especially outsourcing and vendor implementation
• Strong operational payroll knowledge with multi-country experience in the EU
• Ability to work independently and drive projects with minimal supervision
• Hands-on approach – not just a delegator, but someone who can also roll up their sleeves when needed
• Skilled communicator with the ability to educate and engage non-payroll stakeholders
• Comfortable working in an international matrix environment and managing remote teams
• Strong project management skills and experience delivering complex HR/payroll initiatives
• Open to occasional travel

Why Consider This Role?

• Join a prestigious, crisis-resilient company with strong values and a long-term vision
• Play a central role in one of the company’s most important strategic HR transformations
• Opportunity to shape a new regional function from the ground up
• Long-term potential