<p>Payroll Operations Manager (Germany) - Lead. Transform. Inspire.</p><p>Frankfurt, Germany | Hybrid Working Available</p><p>Competitive Salary (six figures) </p><p><br></p><p>An established international payroll and workforce solutions provider is seeking an experienced Payroll Operations Manager to lead its German payroll operation through the next phase of growth and transformation.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>This is not a turnaround role.</u></strong></p><p><br></p><p>The German business is already a high-performing, respected operation delivering payroll services to a portfolio of enterprise, mid-market and SME clients. Following an internal promotion, an opportunity has arisen for a proven payroll leader to take ownership of a well-established function and help shape its future.</p><p><br></p><p>If you thrive on leading people, driving operational excellence and delivering meaningful change, this could be the opportunity youve been waiting for.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>The Opportunity</strong></p><p><br></p><p>As Payroll Operations Manager, you will take responsibility for the leadership, performance and ongoing development of a sizeable German payroll operation.</p><p><br></p><p>Youll inherit an experienced team, established customer relationships and a strong platform from which to drive further improvements in service delivery, efficiency and employee engagement.</p><p>Alongside day-to-day operational leadership, you will play a key role in a significant payroll technology transformation programme, helping guide the business through systems migration and process optimisation initiatives.</p><p><br></p><p>This is a highly visible leadership role reporting directly to senior operational leadership.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Leadership & People Management</strong></p><ul><li>Lead, coach and develop a payroll function of approximately 24 employees.</li><li>Manage and support two Team Leads overseeing payroll delivery teams.</li><li>Foster a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.</li><li>Drive performance management, succession planning and career development.</li><li>Act as a visible, approachable and inspiring leader.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Operational Excellence</strong></p><ul><li>Ensure the consistent delivery of accurate, compliant and high-quality payroll services.</li><li>Monitor departmental performance, service levels and customer satisfaction.</li><li>Act as an escalation point for complex payroll, customer or operational issues.</li><li>Support onboarding and implementation of new customers.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Transformation & Process Improvement</strong></p><ul><li>Lead ongoing payroll technology and systems transformation initiatives.</li><li>Support payroll platform migration projects and associated change management activities.</li><li>Review and optimise existing payroll processes and workflows.</li><li>Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability and service delivery.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Stakeholder Management</strong></p><ul><li>Build trusted relationships with customers, colleagues and senior leadership.</li><li>Partner with operational and commercial stakeholders to support wider business objectives.</li><li>Provide leadership input into strategic initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>What Were Looking For</strong></p><p>We are keen to speak with payroll leaders who bring a blend of operational expertise, people leadership and transformation experience.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>You will likely have:</strong></p><ul><li>Significant payroll leadership experience within a payroll bureau, managed services or large multi-client payroll environment.</li><li>Strong knowledge of German payroll legislation and payroll operations.</li><li>Experience managing larger payroll teams and developing people leaders.</li><li>Exposure to payroll system implementations, migrations or transformation projects.</li><li>A track record of improving processes, efficiency and customer outcomes.</li><li>Strong commercial awareness and operational decision-making capability.</li><li>Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Languages</strong></p><ul><li>Fluent German and Business English are essential.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Leadership Style</strong></p><p><br></p><p>This role requires far more than technical payroll expertise.</p><p>Were looking for a leader who enjoys being present, visible and engaged with their teams.</p><p><em>Someone who can:</em></p><ul><li>Bring people together.</li><li>Build trust and credibility quickly.</li><li>Navigate change positively.</li><li>Hold teams accountable whilst maintaining a supportive culture.</li><li>Celebrate success and create a high-performance environment.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Whats On Offer</strong></p><ul><li>Six figure basic salary.</li><li>Hybrid working model.</li><li>Modern Frankfurt office location.</li><li>Significant leadership responsibility.</li><li>Opportunity to influence business transformation and future growth.</li><li>Career-defining role within an established international organisation.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>During onboarding, there will be an expectation to spend approximately two days per week in the office. Following this period, greater flexibility is available, with a significant proportion of the wider workforce operating remotely.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Apply Now</strong></p><p>If youre an experienced payroll leader looking for an opportunity where you can genuinely influence people, processes and business performance, wed love to hear from you.</p><p><br></p><p>All applications and conversations will be handled with complete confidentiality.</p>