Senior Manager, Global Payroll Strategy and Compliance
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Manager, Global Payroll Strategy and Compliance based in Germany.
This is a high-impact strategic leadership role at the intersection of global payroll, regulatory compliance, and product innovation. You will define how complex employment, tax, and payroll regulations are translated into scalable product capabilities used across multiple countries. Operating in a fully remote, globally distributed environment, you will partner closely with Product, Engineering, Legal, and Payroll Operations to shape roadmap decisions and ensure compliance-by-design across all systems. The role combines strategic vision, operational rigor, and cross-functional leadership, with direct influence on how a global platform expands into new markets. You will lead a specialized team, develop governance frameworks, and ensure regulatory changes are efficiently implemented at scale. This is a unique opportunity to turn global payroll complexity into a competitive advantage through structure, automation, and innovation.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Manager, Global Payroll Strategy and Compliance based in Germany.
This is a high-impact strategic leadership role at the intersection of global payroll, regulatory compliance, and product innovation. You will define how complex employment, tax, and payroll regulations are translated into scalable product capabilities used across multiple countries. Operating in a fully remote, globally distributed environment, you will partner closely with Product, Engineering, Legal, and Payroll Operations to shape roadmap decisions and ensure compliance-by-design across all systems. The role combines strategic vision, operational rigor, and cross-functional leadership, with direct influence on how a global platform expands into new markets. You will lead a specialized team, develop governance frameworks, and ensure regulatory changes are efficiently implemented at scale. This is a unique opportunity to turn global payroll complexity into a competitive advantage through structure, automation, and innovation.
Accountabilities:
- Lead and develop a team of Product Compliance and Payroll Strategy specialists, setting clear priorities, operating models, and performance expectations.
- Define and drive the global product compliance strategy for payroll, ensuring regulatory requirements are embedded across the product lifecycle.
- Translate complex employment, tax, payroll, and labor regulations into scalable product requirements, business rules, and implementation frameworks.
- Establish governance models and compliance-by-design frameworks that ensure consistency across multiple jurisdictions and product lines.
- Partner with Product, Engineering, Legal, and Operations teams to align roadmap decisions with regulatory obligations and business objectives.
- Oversee regulatory intelligence processes to monitor, assess, and implement legislative changes across global markets.
- Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, ensuring compliance considerations are embedded in product strategy and expansion decisions.
- Extensive experience in global payroll, tax, employment, or labor compliance across multiple jurisdictions (3+ countries minimum).
- Proven track record in translating complex regulatory requirements into product specifications, system design, or operational processes.
- Experience leading and scaling high-performing teams in compliance, payroll, product compliance, risk, or similar functions.
- Strong understanding of payroll systems, product development lifecycles, and compliance-by-design principles.
- Ability to balance regulatory constraints with product innovation, automation, and customer experience goals.
- Strong strategic thinking skills with experience building long-term frameworks, governance models, and operating structures.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience influencing senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex regulatory topics for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience in fast-paced, global, or high-growth environments; exposure to fintech, HR tech, or payroll platforms is a strong plus.
- Fully remote role with global flexibility and asynchronous working culture.
- Competitive annual salary aligned with senior leadership responsibilities.
- Equity package (stock options) as part of long-term incentive structure.
- Flexible paid time off and 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
- Comprehensive mental health and well-being support services.
- Home office setup budget and IT equipment provided.
- Learning and development budget for professional growth and upskilling.
- Co-working space or local social event budget depending on location.
- Opportunity to work on global-scale payroll and compliance systems impacting multiple markets worldwide.