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Posted 22 July, 2026

EMEA Payroll Manager - Temp to Perm

Handle Recruitment
London, ENG, GB Full Time

Job Description

Handle are currently working with a hugely popular, global entertainment brand who are looking for an experienced EMEA Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across 12-14 countries (excluding the UK) within a large, multinational organisation.

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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.

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Key responsibilities:

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

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  • Payroll management qualification or equivalent experience.
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  • Proven experience managing multi-country EMEA payroll within a large, complex organisation.
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  • Strong knowledge of EMEA payroll legislation, compliance and payroll governance.
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  • Experience managing outsourced payroll providers.
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  • Strong leadership, stakeholder management and change management skills.
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  • Exposure to SAP Payroll or similar HRIS/payroll systems is highly desirable.
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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.