Global Payroll Manager

Take the lead in transforming global payroll operations across a complex international business. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-profile leadership role where you'll influence strategy, drive change and elevate payroll delivery across multiple countries.

W&A is supporting a global organisation in the appointment of a Global Payroll Manager to join its team in Edinburgh. Operating on a hybrid basis (three days per week in the office), this role offers the chance to combine operational leadership with business‑critical transformation projects on an international scale.

Payroll is at the heart of employee experience, compliance and operational excellence, and this role sits at the centre of it all.

As Global Payroll Manager, you'll lead a talented team responsible for delivering accurate, compliant payroll services across multiple jurisdictions while helping shape the future of payroll operations. Beyond day‑to‑day leadership, you'll play a key role in driving process improvements, enhancing governance, supporting business integrations and contributing to major transformation initiatives.

This is an opportunity for an experienced payroll leader to make a genuine impact, influence senior stakeholders and leave a lasting mark on a growing international organisation.

• Lead the delivery of accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing across multiple countries and jurisdictions.
• Ensure all payroll activities meet statutory, tax and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee payroll funding, approvals, reconciliations and payment governance.
• Drive continuous improvement across payroll processes, controls and systems.
• Lead, mentor and develop payroll teams, creating a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Manage relationships with external payroll providers and drive service performance.
• Support large-scale payroll transformation and change initiatives.
• Lead payroll integration activities associated with acquisitions and organisational growth.
• Strengthen payroll controls, governance frameworks and audit readiness.
• Partner with Finance, HR, Legal and IT stakeholders to deliver seamless payroll operations.
• Contribute to strategic global payroll projects and future operating model enhancements.

• Extensive experience managing payroll across multiple international jurisdictions.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance and governance requirements.
• Proven track record leading high‑performing payroll teams in complex environments.
• Experience driving operational improvements, transformation initiatives and process efficiencies.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, controls and reconciliations.
• Commercially minded with excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Confident influencing and partnering with senior stakeholders.
• A recognised payroll qualification is essential.

• Competitive salary.
• £450 monthly car allowance.
• Private family medical cover.
• Hybrid working model.
• Modern offices with onsite parking.
• Significant scope for leadership, influence and career development.

• Opportunity to lead a strategically important global payroll function.
• Play a visible role in business transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Influence decision‑making across an international stakeholder group.
• Join an organisation investing heavily in people, systems and future growth.
• Combine operational leadership with strategic project work.
• Take ownership of a role with genuine impact and visibility across the business.