Pacific International Executive Search
Head of Payroll Germany (m/f/d)
Pacific International Executive Search, New Bremen, Ohio, United States
Pacific International Recruitment is an exclusive recruitment consultancy with over 25 years of experience in placing specialists and executives. With our headquarters in London and additional locations in Düsseldorf and Philadelphia, we provide targeted support to our clients and candidates across EMEA, APAC, and the USA.
We have partnered with a global leader in energy efficiency and climate solutions to support their innovation and sustainability goals. With a strong international presence, the company combines engineering, electrification, and digitalization to optimize energy use and accelerate the transition to a low‑carbon, more sustainable future.
As the Payroll Manager for Germany, this role oversees national payroll operations while aligning with global standards. It ensures accurate and compliant payroll processing, drives process improvements, integrates digital tools, and fosters a culture of operational excellence. The position plays a key role in delivering a reliable and efficient payroll experience for employees, supporting transparency, consistency, and continuous improvement across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee Payroll Compliance & Audit Readiness : Ensure full compliance with statutory regulations and internal policies. Lead the preparation and execution of internal and external payroll audits.
Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team : Inspire and manage a team of 15 payroll professionals (including a team lead), focusing on professional development, engagement, and fostering a value-driven team culture.
Manage End-to-End Payroll Operations : Take ownership of the full payroll lifecycle in Germany, including time tracking and benefits administration, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery.
Collaborate with Key Stakeholders : Partner with Finance, IT, and external service providers to align payroll operations with broader business goals and ensure seamless data integration.
Enhance Processes Through Technology : Drive ongoing improvement and digitalisation of payroll services by utilising tools such as ServiceNow, with the aim of increasing efficiency and improving employee experience.
Skills and Qualifications
Extensive Payroll Expertise : Deep knowledge of German payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance requirements, gained through hands‑on experience in in‑house payroll operations.
Benefits Administration : Familiar with managing company benefits programmes in Germany, ensuring legal compliance and a positive employee experience.
Leadership of Virtual Teams : Proven ability to lead and develop large, geographically distributed teams in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
HR & Payroll Systems Knowledge : Experience with integrated HR and payroll systems — ideally SAP SuccessFactors for HR and ADP for payroll — including process handling and data accuracy.
Ticketing & Case Management Tools : Comfortable using platforms such as ServiceNow or similar tools to manage HR service requests and ensure responsive support.
Process Improvement & Digital Transformation : Demonstrated success in driving projects to streamline payroll operations, implement automation, and improve overall process efficiency.
Strategic & Empathetic Leadership : Ability to navigate complex organisational structures with a leadership style that balances clarity, accountability, and empathy.
Bilingual Communication : Strong written and verbal communication skills in German and English, enabling clear collaboration with both local teams and international stakeholders.
Join a globally recognised industrial technology company as the Payroll Manager for Germany and take the lead in shaping payroll operations across the region. You will drive process excellence, ensure compliance with local and international standards, and implement digital solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an organisation dedicated to innovation, operational integrity, and employee experience.
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact
ximena.bernal@pacific-international.com
to schedule an initial call.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Human Resources
Industries
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing
Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing
PACIFIC DIVERSITY STATEMENT At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
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We have partnered with a global leader in energy efficiency and climate solutions to support their innovation and sustainability goals. With a strong international presence, the company combines engineering, electrification, and digitalization to optimize energy use and accelerate the transition to a low‑carbon, more sustainable future.
As the Payroll Manager for Germany, this role oversees national payroll operations while aligning with global standards. It ensures accurate and compliant payroll processing, drives process improvements, integrates digital tools, and fosters a culture of operational excellence. The position plays a key role in delivering a reliable and efficient payroll experience for employees, supporting transparency, consistency, and continuous improvement across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee Payroll Compliance & Audit Readiness : Ensure full compliance with statutory regulations and internal policies. Lead the preparation and execution of internal and external payroll audits.
Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team : Inspire and manage a team of 15 payroll professionals (including a team lead), focusing on professional development, engagement, and fostering a value-driven team culture.
Manage End-to-End Payroll Operations : Take ownership of the full payroll lifecycle in Germany, including time tracking and benefits administration, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery.
Collaborate with Key Stakeholders : Partner with Finance, IT, and external service providers to align payroll operations with broader business goals and ensure seamless data integration.
Enhance Processes Through Technology : Drive ongoing improvement and digitalisation of payroll services by utilising tools such as ServiceNow, with the aim of increasing efficiency and improving employee experience.
Skills and Qualifications
Extensive Payroll Expertise : Deep knowledge of German payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance requirements, gained through hands‑on experience in in‑house payroll operations.
Benefits Administration : Familiar with managing company benefits programmes in Germany, ensuring legal compliance and a positive employee experience.
Leadership of Virtual Teams : Proven ability to lead and develop large, geographically distributed teams in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
HR & Payroll Systems Knowledge : Experience with integrated HR and payroll systems — ideally SAP SuccessFactors for HR and ADP for payroll — including process handling and data accuracy.
Ticketing & Case Management Tools : Comfortable using platforms such as ServiceNow or similar tools to manage HR service requests and ensure responsive support.
Process Improvement & Digital Transformation : Demonstrated success in driving projects to streamline payroll operations, implement automation, and improve overall process efficiency.
Strategic & Empathetic Leadership : Ability to navigate complex organisational structures with a leadership style that balances clarity, accountability, and empathy.
Bilingual Communication : Strong written and verbal communication skills in German and English, enabling clear collaboration with both local teams and international stakeholders.
Join a globally recognised industrial technology company as the Payroll Manager for Germany and take the lead in shaping payroll operations across the region. You will drive process excellence, ensure compliance with local and international standards, and implement digital solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an organisation dedicated to innovation, operational integrity, and employee experience.
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact
ximena.bernal@pacific-international.com
to schedule an initial call.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Human Resources
Industries
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing
Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing
PACIFIC DIVERSITY STATEMENT At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr