Payroll Manager EMEA

About the Role & Team

Manage EMEA Payroll for 12-14 countries outside of the UK across several lines of business within The Walt Disney Company. This role involves leading 5-6 Analysts on the EMEA Time and Payroll team and managing diverse stakeholder relationships. The primary responsibility includes leading payroll projects supporting business change through implementing best practice models and system solutions for the region. The role also entails direct line management and leadership development of payroll team members.

What You Will Do

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing, statutory reporting, and audit support for various lines of business within EMEA countries outside the UK.
• Manage and develop direct reports to support payroll operations and succession planning.
• Adapt departmental plans to address resource and operational challenges.
• Act as escalation point for payroll service issues in assigned countries, supporting resolution through vendors.
• Ensure employees receive accurate remuneration on pay dates, meeting contractual obligations.
• Coordinate and maintain relationships with third-party payroll providers and internal partners for accurate payroll processing.
• Approve periodic reports to management, authorities, and other recipients.
• Resolve payroll-related queries from employees and stakeholders professionally and promptly.
• Oversee payments to third parties and statutory deadline compliance.
• Support and provide coverage for peer managers within EMEA.
• Ensure payroll compliance with audit controls and procedures.
• Troubleshoot SAP technical issues at a high level.
• Propose process improvements for efficiency.

Operational Lead

• Oversee Stock Options/RSU and LTIC payments for local and country transfers.
• Support local technical and functional requirements.
• Facilitate payroll involvement in global and local initiatives.
• Provide strategic support for operations and resolve supplier service issues.
• Share best practices across countries.
• Act as primary vendor contact for payroll governance.
• Establish regional strategies for vendor management and implement standardized procedures across EMEA.
• Identify and manage relationships with stakeholders and authorities.
• Advise on payroll processes, compliance, and best practices.
• Facilitate collaboration for new programs and initiatives.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and internal controls.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Payroll management qualification.
• Significant experience leading payroll teams for large multinational employers.
• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, regulations, and taxes across EMEA countries.
• Ability to work independently, handle confidential information, and demonstrate interest in information systems.
• Experience driving change and developing payroll procedures and policies.
• Experience with expenses, benefits, and tax treatments.
• Attention to detail with strong analytical skills.
• Experience in retail or entertainment sectors is a bonus.
• Leadership skills to accomplish team objectives.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and customer service focus.
• Interpersonal skills, decision-making, project management experience, and discretion.