Payroll Manager
Job Introduction
Why Dechra?
Thank you for checking out our vacancy, we're delighted you want to learn more about joining Dechra.
A career at Dechra is different. Sure, we're a growing global company with a presence in 27 countries but our purpose is simple - to achieve the sustainable improvement of animal health and welfare globally .
If you want to be part of a team that invests in your future and ensures you have the support to reach your full potential and thrive, please read on .
The Opportunity
As a senior leadership role, the Payroll Manager is responsible for shaping and executing a unified payroll strategy across multiple countries. This position ensures payroll operations are effective, compliant, and aligned with organisational goals. The manager streamlines processes, builds a skilled team, oversees vendor relationships, and drives automation and centralisation. By consistently reviewing pay cycles and compliance, the manager reduces risk and enhances operational efficiency, supporting Dechra's long-term objectives.
Role Responsibility
So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:
* Lead the global payroll operational transition, developing a clear RACI matrix to define stakeholder roles.
* Oversee third-party payroll provider relationships, ensuring SLAs are met and financials managed.
* Build and manage a payroll team, delivering compliant payroll for 2,800+ employees.
* Implement standardisation, centralisation, and automation to enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
* Ensure full compliance with payroll regulations and enterprise financial controls across all countries.
* Address payroll queries within agreed SLAs.
* Act as the primary contact for audits and compliance checks.
* Resolve complex payroll issues and escalations.
* Collaborate with HR, Finance, Legal, and IT for seamless payroll workflows.
* Establish and track payroll performance metrics and KPIs to drive service quality improvements.
* Partner with the reward lead to deliver regular compensation analytics to stakeholders.
The Candidate
Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer. We know that individuals' unique background and experience can bring a wealth of variety and expertise to our global workforce. For this role, we're particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:
Essential
* Demonstrated experience collaborating across departments to optimise payroll processes and ensure seamless transitions of responsibilities.
* Demonstrated experience managing third-party global payroll providers.
* Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills
* Strong numerical and analytical skills, capable of analysing and interpreting data to inform decision making
* Able to interpret and apply relevant Employment Law and Regulations related to payroll and sensitive/confidential data and cross boundary provisions
* Experience managing remote teams
* Experience delivering payroll services across multiple entities and countries (20+), with a workforce of 2,000 or more.
* Knowledge of global payroll compliance, statutory reporting, and taxation requirements.
* Background in payroll process improvement, use of automation tools, and integration with HRIS/payroll systems.
* Experience communicating effectively, preparing data, analysing results, and presenting findings to senior leaders.
* Professional payroll certifications e.g., CPP, GPA, CIPP
* Experience managing large complex payroll projects.
Desirable
* Experience implementing a global payroll platform or managing a global payroll system rollout.
* Familiarity with Oracle, ADP, or other major HR/payroll systems.
* Previous experience working in a multinational organization with a matrix structure.
* Knowledge of shared service or broader organisational operating models.
* Experience working within a fast-paced, growing organisation
* Proactive and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Additional Information:
* Occasional global travel may be required with this role.
* This role is based in Northwich / hybrid
What we can offer you:
* 33 days annual (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
* Holiday purchase scheme
* Healthcare
* Employee Assistance Program
* Life Assurance
* 8% Employer Pension Contribution
* Enhanced Family Leave
* Car / Car Allowance (discretionary)
* Bonus (discretionary)
* Discounted Pet Food
About the Company
If a career at Dechra has piqued your interest, find out more at Dechra Careers .
Dechra is a growing, global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide .
All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we're looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don't be too disappointed - we may keep your CV on our database for any future which could be suitable, and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site. We value diversity within our global workforce and encourage an inclusive culture. Any questions or queries, please contact us at recruituk@dechra.com