European Payroll Transformation Manager

On behalf of our international Client, we are looking for an experienced Payroll Transformation Manager to lead a major multi-country payroll outsourcing and system implementation program across the European region. In this key role, you will oversee the transition to a new external payroll provider and support the rollout of a unified time and attendance tracking system, ensuring both compliance and operational excellence across markets.

• Lead the end-to-end payroll and T&A transformation project, including initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure.
• Ensure all deliverables, milestones, and timelines for the payroll transition are defined, approved, and achieved.
• Act as a liaison between HR, Finance, and IT functions across multiple European entities to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Coordinate the activities of project teams, vendors, and country representatives to secure successful implementation.
• Identify and drive opportunities for process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate regional and local discussions to align transformation objectives and ensure smooth change management.
• Prepare and deliver regular progress reports to senior stakeholders and project sponsors.
• Oversee testing, training, go-live, and post-implementation support phases.
• Contribute to defining vendor contracts and scopes of service in collaboration with Procurement and Finance teams.
• Ensure all payroll and time-tracking processes meet European and local legal and compliance requirements.
• Manage risks, escalations, and change control processes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee the transition of each market to the new vendor, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and adoption.

• Proven expertise in project and change management with a track record in complex, multi-country implementations.
• Significant experience in payroll vendor transitions, outsourcing, and HR/payroll system implementation across Europe.
• In-depth understanding of payroll operations, European labor law, and time/absence management.
• Experience working within or alongside Shared Service Centers.
• Strong stakeholder and vendor management skills; comfortable working with diverse teams and corporate cultures.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex payroll, HR, financial, and IT data clearly to various audiences.
• Knowledge of contract management principles related to external service providers.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are an advantage.

• The opportunity to play a leading role in a high-impact, Europe-wide transformation project.
• An international environment with cross-functional collaboration and development opportunities.
• A culture that values initiative, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Competitive compensation and hybrid working flexibility.