EMEA Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Our client is seeking an EMEA Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join their Global Benefits team, reporting directly to the Head of EMEA Benefits.

This is a hands-on role responsible for supporting payroll and benefits operations across an 18-country EMEA portfolio. The successful candidate will act as the operational lead for payroll and benefits administration, renewals, compliance, financial governance and employee enrolment activities, ensuring processes run smoothly and accurately across multiple jurisdictions.

Key responsibilities include managing country benefit renewals, coordinating with payroll providers and brokers, overseeing vendor and financial processes, ensuring statutory compliance deadlines are met, and supporting annual benefits enrolment programmes. The role also involves significant analysis, including multi-currency cost modelling, year-on-year comparisons, premium reconciliations, payroll data reviews and membership reporting.

The position will work closely with HR Shared Services, Payroll, Legal, Procurement, Accounts Payable, HR Business Partners and external providers to deliver a seamless employee experience while maintaining robust governance and controls.

The organisation is also looking for someone who can identify opportunities for process improvements, automation and AI-driven efficiencies, helping to streamline administration and enhance operational effectiveness.

Key requirements:

• Proven experience managing payroll and benefits across multiple EMEA countries.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel capabilities and experience handling large datasets.
• Experience with financial reconciliations, cost modelling, payroll analysis and benefits reporting.
• Strong understanding of compliance, statutory requirements and payroll governance.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders across HR, Finance, Payroll and external vendors.
• Experience improving processes, implementing automation and documenting procedures.
• Exposure to systems such as Workday, ServiceNow, NetSuite, Graphite Connect and benefits administration platforms would be advantageous.
• A CIPD, pensions, reward or related qualification would be beneficial.
• Additional language skills including German, French, Spanish, Dutch or Czech would be an advantage but are not essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll and benefits professional who enjoys operating across a complex international environment and is comfortable combining operational delivery, compliance, financial analysis and stakeholder management.