GBS Payroll Manager

Position Summary We are looking for an experienced GBS Payroll Manager / HTR Payroll Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of Netherlands Payroll Operations and future transitioned HR processes within a Global Business Services environment. The role will be responsible for ensuring accurate, timely and compliant payroll delivery , operational excellence, service-level adherence, continuous improvement and transformation across the Hire-to-Retire (HTR) function. The position will lead a regional team, manage operational performance, build strong stakeholder relationships and drive process standardisation, automation and technology-led improvements. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in European payroll operations, Hire-to-Retire processes, shared services/GBS environments, team leadership, stakeholder management and payroll transformation . We are looking for an experienced GBS Payroll Manager / HTR Payroll Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of Netherlands Payroll Operations and future transitioned HR processes within a Global Business Services environment. The role will be responsible for ensuring accurate, timely and compliant payroll delivery , operational excellence, service-level adherence, continuous improvement and transformation across the Hire-to-Retire (HTR) function. The position will lead a regional team, manage operational performance, build strong stakeholder relationships and drive process standardisation, automation and technology-led improvements. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in European payroll operations, Hire-to-Retire processes, shared services/GBS environments, team leadership, stakeholder management and payroll transformation . Key Responsibilities 1. Leadership & Team Management Lead and develop the regional Payroll / HTR Operations team. Set clear goals, performance expectations and service delivery standards. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching and feedback. Identify career development and succession opportunities for team members. Drive employee engagement, retention and capability development. Support recruitment and onboarding of new team members. Build a high-performing team with effective succession and backup plans. 2. Netherlands Payroll Operations Manage the end-to-end Netherlands payroll process , including: Pre-payroll activities and reconciliations Payroll validation and controls Payroll processing Post-payroll activities Payroll reporting and reconciliation Ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery in line with defined SLAs, KPIs and compliance requirements . Ensure payroll processes comply with applicable local regulations, statutory requirements and internal controls. Work closely with payroll providers and other third-party partners. 3. Hire-to-Retire / HR Operations Oversee HR Operations and Hire-to-Retire (HTR) processes. Manage HRIS transactions covering: Employee onboarding Offboarding Employee movements Organisational changes Position management Employee data management Ensure high levels of data accuracy and process efficiency throughout the employee lifecycle. 4. Stakeholder Management Develop strong relationships with key internal stakeholders across HR, Finance, Payroll, HR Business Partners and regional teams . Manage relationships with external payroll and benefits providers. Understand stakeholder requirements and ensure timely resolution of operational issues. Establish regular governance and performance review mechanisms. Drive a strong customer-centric approach across payroll operations. 5. Process Improvement & Automation Identify opportunities to standardise, simplify and optimise payroll and HTR processes . Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, quality and turnaround time. Drive automation and digitalisation of HR and payroll processes. Partner with HR Technology / IT teams on process automation and system enhancements. Evaluate opportunities to leverage AI, analytics and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency. Drive transformation projects related to payroll and HTR operations. 6. Performance Management & Operational Excellence Define and monitor KPIs, SLAs and operational metrics . Prepare and review performance dashboards and management reports. Analyse operational gaps and develop corrective and preventive action plans. Ensure consistent service delivery and adherence to agreed performance standards. Drive operational excellence across the regional HTR function. 7. Compliance, Controls & Risk Management Ensure compliance with European and Netherlands payroll regulations . Ensure adherence to data privacy and information security requirements, including GDPR . Maintain strong internal controls across payroll and HTR processes. Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures. Ensure audit readiness and timely closure of audit observations. 8. Transformation & Strategic Initiatives Lead implementation of strategic HTR and payroll initiatives. Manage scope transitions, process migrations and transformation projects . Support technology upgrades and HRIS implementation/enhancement initiatives. Identify opportunities for expanding GBS scope and improving service delivery. Share best practices across regional and global teams. Education Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline . Master's degree / MBA preferred. HR / Payroll certification would be an advantage. Certification in Continuous Improvement / Process Excellence is desirable. Coaching or mentoring certification would be an added advantage. Experience 12 years of progressive experience in Hire-to-Retire, HR Operations and Payroll , preferably within a GBS / Shared Services / Global Business Services environment. Strong experience managing European payroll , with specific experience in Netherlands payroll highly preferred. Experience working with European-based organisations or clients. 10 years of leadership experience , including managing regional or cross-border teams. Strong experience in end-to-end payroll operations and HR service delivery . Proven experience in process transformation, automation and continuous improvement. Strong stakeholder management experience across HR, Finance, Technology and business functions. Experience managing third-party payroll / HR service providers. Experience with Workday and/or ServiceNow would be advantageous. Good understanding of GDPR and European data privacy requirements . Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams. Strong experience in talent development, retention and succession planning. Experience in payroll / HTR transition, migration or transformation projects. Experience in a FMCG / Consumer / Manufacturing environment would be an advantage. Key Skills & Competencies NetherlandsPayroll EuropeanPayroll GlobalPayroll HireToRetire HTR HROperations GBS GlobalBusinessServices SharedServices PayrollTransformation PayrollOperations HRIS Workday ServiceNow ProcessAutomation ContinuousImprovement ProcessExcellence StakeholderManagement VendorManagement SLAManagement KPIManagement GDPR DataPrivacy TeamLeadership ChangeManagement HRTransformation EmployeeLifecycleManagement PayrollCompliance PayrollManagement HRSharedServices FMCG HRTechnology Personal Attributes Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English . Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills. High emotional intelligence and empathy. Strong customer-centric mindset. Analytical and structured approach to problem-solving. Strategic thinker with a strong focus on operational excellence. Ability to manage change and ambiguity in a fast-paced global environment. Strong decision-making and execution capabilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining service quality and team morale.