HR Director, Global Payroll

Vantive • Deerfield, IL

7d • $180,000 - $250,000

About The Position

The Global Payroll Director is a strategic and operational leader responsible for transforming and leading the end-to-end global payroll function across APAC, EMEA, and AMERICAs. This role will design and execute the transition from a fragmented, multi-vendor payroll model to a streamlined, scalable global solution aligned to a shared services operating model. This leader will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing and time management while improving data visibility, financial reporting, and operational efficiency. The role operates within a complex, outsourced vendor ecosystem and partners closely with HR, Finance, IT, and regional stakeholders to drive global standardization and governance.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive global payroll leadership experience
• Proven experience leading global payroll transformation initiatives (multi-country, multi-region)
• Deep expertise in outsourced payroll delivery models and vendor governance
• Experience operating in a global shared services or COE environment
• Strong knowledge of global payroll compliance, tax regulations, and statutory requirements
• Experience integrating payroll with enterprise systems (e.g., Workday or similar HCM platforms)
• Demonstrated ability to lead in complex, matrixed, and highly regulated environments

Nice To Haves

• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute in complex, global environments
• Strong operational rigor with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and process excellence
• Collaborative and influential leader with strong stakeholder management skills
• Change leader with experience driving large-scale transformation initiatives
• Data-driven mindset with focus on reporting, analytics, and decision support

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of the global payroll transformation strategy, transitioning from fragmented regional models to a standardized global solution
• Define and implement the target operating model, including shared services, regional hubs, and vendor strategy
• Drive phased or full-scale implementation of global payroll platforms and integrations aligned with enterprise systems (e.g., Workday, JDE)
• Establish global governance, policies, and standards to ensure consistency across all regions
• Partner with executive stakeholders to align payroll strategy with overall HR and business priorities
• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations across all regions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and service excellence
• Ensure seamless integration of timekeeping, payroll processing, and downstream financial reporting
• Define and manage service level agreements (SLAs), KPIs, and operational performance metrics
• Lead resolution of complex payroll issues and escalations across global markets
• Drive consistent employee experience through high-quality payroll service delivery
• Lead global payroll vendor strategy, including selection, governance, and ongoing performance management
• Manage third-party providers in a complex outsourced environment, ensuring compliance and service delivery standards
• Optimize vendor footprint to reduce fragmentation and improve cost efficiency
• Partner with Procurement and Legal on contract negotiations, renewals, and service scope
• Establish strong governance frameworks to manage multi-vendor and regional provider models
• Ensure compliance with all local, regional, and global payroll regulations, tax laws, and statutory requirements
• Establish and maintain robust internal controls, audit readiness, and risk mitigation frameworks
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and Compliance teams on regulatory changes and implications
• Oversee data privacy and security compliance related to payroll and employee data
• Own payroll-related financial processes, including funding, reconciliation, accruals, and reporting
• Streamline and standardize payroll reporting to provide consolidated global insights
• Improve transparency and accuracy of payroll data for FP&A, and leadership
• Drive cost optimization through operating model redesign and vendor consolidation
• Lead the evolution of a global payroll shared services model, including governance, processes, and service delivery design
• Standardize, simplify, and automate payroll processes across regions
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce complexity, cost, and cycle time
• Build scalable solutions that support enterprise growth and future transformation
• Lead and develop a global payroll organization, including regional teams and shared services resources
• Build strong partnerships with HR Operations, HR Technology, Finance, IT, and regional leadership
• Act as the global payroll subject matter expert and trusted advisor to senior leadership
• Drive change management across regions to support transformation and adoption

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Basic life insurance
• Accident insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Business travel accident insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Educational assistance programs
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service
• Family and medical leaves of absence
• Paid parental leave
• Commuting benefits
• Employee Discount Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Childcare benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed