Regional Payroll Manager – France, Belgium, Netherlands

The Regional Payroll Managers are responsible for leading payroll operations across multiple markets. This includes overseeing the accurate and timely processing of payroll for store, warehouse, and head office colleagues, in line with global processes, while ensuring compliance with local labor laws, retail-specific scheduling practices, and union or collective agreements where applicable. The role is key to delivering a seamless employee pay experience and maintaining strong internal controls in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment Responsibilities:

• Lead the team to drive efficient operational processing through the adoption of automation where possible, application of standardised processes and delivery of a consistent service model
• Lead on delivery of the Payroll Roadmap for the Region
• Senior escalation point, for payroll failures, risks and errors
• Manage operational costs for the Region, driving a cost leadership mindset.
• Provide input to the preparation of the annual Global Payroll budget
• Design new payroll policies and processes where appropriate, in collaboration with the Global Process owner
• Support in the design and delivery of the payroll strategy and agreed global ways of working.
• Maintains a strong high-performing team through effective recruiting, training, coaching, team building, performance management and resource planning.
• Ensure payroll compliance with regional labor laws, minimum wage regulations, tax requirements, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Oversee the maintenance of audit-ready documentation and internal or external payroll audits.
• Implement strong internal controls to prevent payroll errors or fraud in high-volume retail environments.
• Foster and maintain positive relationships with internal stakeholders
• Maintain awareness of changes to current payroll legislation to advise the business on necessary changes
• Management of the external international payroll vendor contracts, including the on-going management of SLAs, service delivery, and ensuring compliance to in-country reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain robust Business Continuity plans for all payrolls.
• Lead internal and external audits within supported countries ensuring process improvements are introduced as necessary and in line with audit findings

• Minimum 7 years' experience of managing EMEA payrolls and payroll systems.
• CIPP qualified or equivalent.
• Strong project management experience.
• Strong people leadership.
• A solid understanding of efficient and effective payroll processes.
• Change Management.
• Knowledge of payroll data flow from integrated systems e.g., HCM and Time and Attendance
• Demonstrates Primark behaviours and values, coach and develop team. Sound judgement, unquestionable ethics and integrity with a high degree of transparency and trust.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written to build strong relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced level excel/MS skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Detailed company and legislative knowledge for countries supporting.
• Demonstrates experience to work to deadlines and performing duties under pressure.
• Organisational and time management skills in managing multiple, diverse and sometimes conflicting priorities.
• Ability in managing sensitive matters whilst ensuring all Primark information remains confidential
• Ability to develop effective working relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Effective and persuasive communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in an understandable manner to all areas of the business.
• Ability to lead, influence and coach others.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, resilient and sees the bigger picture