Global Payroll Manager - Europe Role Location
Work Arrangement:
On site, South East England
(within practical commuting distance of the Western Greater London / Thames Valley corridor)
Confidentiality Notice:
Exact office location to be disclosed at shortlist stage only
Eligibility & Engagement Criteria
This position requires in-office work with some hybrid flexibility, please note that this is not a remote position.
Applicants must already be locally based within a reasonable commuting distance
Candidates must possess the legal, unrestricted right to work in the UK
The organisation does not provide visa sponsorship, either now or in the future
This opportunity is offered on a permanent, direct?employment basis only (no contract?to?hire, umbrella, or third?party arrangements)
Remuneration
Base Salary:
£75,000-£85,000 ( Please note, final number within provided salary range will be dependent on transferable skills and requirements in alignment with the job description )
Annual Bonus:
15% target
Role Overview This position oversees payroll operations for a broad international employee population spread across multiple European jurisdictions. The Global Payroll Manager ensures that pay cycles run smoothly, that country?specific regulations are followed, and that internal teams receive consistent guidance and support. The role requires someone who is comfortable blending leadership responsibilities with hands-on operational work. The ideal leader thrives in an environment where processes have recently evolved and where reinforcing structure, stability, and predictability is essential. Collaboration with cross?functional partners: including HR services, finance functions, benefits, compliance teams, and local business leaders is a central part of the job.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee end?to?end payroll activities across several European countries, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to local requirements
Drive operational consistency following recent process and system updates
Provide daily oversight and guidance to maintain strong controls, clear workflows, and reliable payroll execution
Stay actively engaged in the operational details, including data validation, issue resolution, and country?specific nuances
Investigate variances, address compliance risks, and implement corrective measures when needed
Safeguard compliance with company-side policies and local employment, tax, and statutory rules
Support internal and external audit requests through documentation, metrics, and ongoing governance
Manage relationships with internal leadership or outsourced payroll providers, escalating and resolving issues as appropriate
Work closely with HR and business partners to support employee changes, compensation events, and operational needs
Lead and develop a geographically spread payroll team, building capability and a cohesive working environment
Promote an environment of accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement
Qualifications
7+ years working in payroll, ideally including experience across several European or multi?country environments
Background managing remote or distributed team members
Direct hands-on processing experience for at least two countries
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, HR, or a related discipline
Professional payroll qualification preferred (regional or global certifications welcome)
Competencies & Skills
Strong understanding of payroll legislation, statutory obligations, and operational nuances across Europe
Able to operate as a working leader: comfortable shifting between detailed execution and strategic oversight
Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide team members
Experience partnering with outsourced providers or third?party service organizations
Excellent attention to detail with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues
Strong communication skills and comfort working across time zones and functions
Familiarity with payroll technologies, integrations, and data standards
Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with evolving processes and organizational structures
Equal Opportunity Employer
Our client is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by
recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.
Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact
HR@vaco.com
. Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that
workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees
here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies
here. Residents of all other states may access our policies
here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English
here
and in French
here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies
here. Pay Transparency Notice
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.