Interim EMEA Payroll Manager

Handle are currently working with a hugely popular, global entertainment brand who are looking for an experienced Interim EMEA Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across 12-14 countries (excluding the UK) within a large, multinational organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team of payroll professionals while overseeing the delivery of accurate, compliant payroll through outsourced payroll providers.

You'll play a key role in driving payroll transformation, process improvements, and ensuring governance, controls and statutory compliance across multiple EMEA jurisdictions.

Key responsibilities:

Lead, coach and develop a team of Payroll Analysts. Oversee end-to-end payroll operations across multiple EMEA countries. Manage relationships with external payroll vendors and internal stakeholders. Ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, reporting and audit readiness. Drive payroll projects, system enhancements and continuous process improvements. Act as the escalation point for complex payroll and vendor issues. Promote best practice, standardisation and operational excellence across the region.

About you:

Payroll management qualification or equivalent experience. Proven experience managing multi-country EMEA payroll within a large, complex organisation. Strong knowledge of EMEA payroll legislation, compliance and payroll governance. Experience managing outsourced payroll providers. Strong leadership, stakeholder management and change management skills. Exposure to SAP Payroll or similar HRIS/payroll systems is highly desirable. Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.