Employee Compensation Operations Manager

Overview Position Summary The Employee Compensation Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the accurate, compliant, and efficient delivery of payroll services across multiple countries through external payroll service providers. Acting as the key liaison between HR, Finance, external vendors, and employees, this role ensures payroll operations comply with internal controls, statutory regulations, and SOX requirements while continuously driving process improvements and operational excellence. The Employee Compensation Operations Manager will also support payroll-related projects, system enhancements, and the implementation of global payroll initiatives, with a strong focus on governance, compliance, and stakeholder management. Key Responsibilities Payroll Operations

Manage end-to-end payroll processes through international payroll service providers across multiple countries. Act as the primary point of contact for external payroll vendors, ensuring service quality and adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Coordinate payroll calendars, validations, approvals, and issue resolution. Review payroll outputs for accuracy and compliance before payroll execution. Support month-end and year-end payroll activities, reconciliations, and statutory reporting.

Compliance & Internal Controls

Ensure payroll activities comply with company policies, local legislation, and SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) requirements. Execute and maintain payroll SOX controls, documenting evidence and supporting internal and external audits. Identify control gaps and implement corrective actions to strengthen payroll governance. Maintain payroll documentation, standard operating procedures, and control matrices.

HR Systems & Process Improvement

Knowledge of Workday for payroll-related processes, employee data management, and reporting. Collaborate with HRIS, HR, Finance, and IT teams to support system enhancements, integrations, and payroll projects. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase payroll efficiency, automation, and data quality.

Benefits Administration

Coordinate payroll-related pension fund activities and ensure accurate processing of pension contributions. Administer payroll-related fringe benefits, ensuring compliance with company policies and local tax regulations. Partner with HR Benefits teams to implement benefit changes and ensure correct payroll treatment.

Stakeholder Management

Build strong relationships with HR Business Partners, Finance, Tax, external payroll providers, and employees. Provide expert payroll guidance and support on complex payroll matters. Support global payroll projects and cross-functional initiatives.

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional payroll qualification is considered an advantage.

Minimum 8 years of payroll experience within an international environment. Proven experience managing multiple international payroll service providers. Strong knowledge of payroll governance, controls, and compliance. Hands-on experience with SOX controls related to payroll processes. Experience using Workday in a payroll environment. Good understanding of pension fund administration and statutory payroll requirements. Experience administering payroll-related fringe benefits. Experience supporting payroll audits and compliance reviews.

Skills & Competencies Technical Skills

Strong understanding of international payroll processes. Solid knowledge of payroll controls and SOX compliance. Strong Microsoft Excel skills and overall IT literacy. Experience working with payroll reporting and reconciliation tools. Ability to analyze payroll data and identify discrepancies.

Soft Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent organizational and planning skills. High attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to manage multiple