EMEA Payroll Manager

Spencer Thomas Group (STG) is currently looking for a European Payroll Manager in Paris.

This role will lead the modernization and standardization of payroll operations across Europe, with responsibility for payroll transformation, process harmonization, vendor strategy, governance, and continuous improvement across multiple countries and business units. The consultant will serve as a key payroll advisor while also supporting and developing local payroll teams.

• Lead the European payroll transformation roadmap, including payroll provider migrations, process harmonization, outsourcing initiatives, and Time & Attendance integrations.
• Define and implement a standardized European payroll operating model aligned with broader HR and Finance strategies.
• Manage complex payroll transformation projects, including scope, timelines, budgets, risks, milestones, governance, and executive reporting.
• Lead payroll provider RFPs, vendor selection, contract discussions, onboarding, and provider transitions.
• Establish consistent payroll controls, SLAs, KPIs, and governance standards across European countries and vendors.
• Assess local payroll processes and teams, identify gaps and risks, and develop improvement plans.
• Design and document standardized end-to-end payroll processes while accounting for country-specific regulatory requirements.
• Coach and mentor local payroll teams to strengthen technical knowledge, process discipline, compliance, and operational ownership.
• Provide strategic oversight of multi-country payroll operations and serve as an escalation point for complex payroll and compliance issues.
• Ensure payroll operations meet local tax, social legislation, GDPR, audit, and internal control requirements.
• Monitor payroll and legislative changes across Europe and translate impacts into actionable guidance for local teams.
• Partner closely with HR, Finance, Legal, IT, local country teams, and external payroll providers.
• Develop dashboards and reporting around payroll accuracy, timeliness, SLAs, correction rates, query volumes, and payroll costs.
• Lead change management, communications, training, and post-go-live stabilization activities across payroll transformation initiatives.

• 10+ years of payroll experience, including significant multi-country European payroll experience.
• Proven experience leading payroll transformation, payroll implementation, or HRIS initiatives.
• Strong understanding of European payroll regulations, compliance requirements, and payroll operating models.
• Experience managing multiple payroll providers and leading vendor selection or migration initiatives.
• Strong project and program management capabilities with experience managing multiple workstreams.
• Experience developing, coaching, or mentoring payroll professionals and local payroll teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills across operational and executive audiences.
• Experience with payroll and HR technology platforms such as ADP, SD Worx, Workday, and/or SAP.
• Strong analytical, process improvement, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Information Technology, Payroll, or a related field.

• Advanced English proficiency, C1 level or higher.
• Fluency in at least one additional European language is required, with French preferred.
• A third European language such as German, Spanish, Italian, or Dutch is highly desirable.

• Master's degree or equivalent advanced qualification.
• Formal project management training or certification.
• Experience with Workday HCM and payroll-related integrations.