Remote/Hybrid
Full Time
The Global Payroll Manager is the senior payroll practitioner on the account. This role carries overall accountability for the accuracy, compliance and timely delivery of payroll across a complex global client. The Global Payroll Manager does not just process payroll — they own it. They are the expert in the room, the first point of technical escalation for the team and the person who ensures the account is running well at every stage of the monthly cycle.
This role is expected to embody the CE Global values in practice — finding the root cause of problems rather than accepting the surface answer, insisting on the highest standards in everything that leaves the team, winning as a team including the client, doing the right thing even when it is uncomfortable, using data to make decisions and bringing the independence and confidence of a trusted expert partner.
Purpose of the Role
To take senior ownership of the end-to-end delivery of global payroll for an assigned client — ensuring accuracy, compliance and a service that reflects CE Global's values. To act as the technical expert on the account, supporting and directing the work of junior team members and maintaining strong, professional relationships with clients and third- party providers.
Key Responsibilities
| Payroll Ownership |
- Take overall accountability for the accurate and compliant delivery of payroll across all countries within the assigned account.
- Oversee and review the work of Payroll Specialists and Administrators on the account — directing workload and maintaining quality.
- Ensure all payroll runs are delivered on time, accurately and in line with relevant legislation across all jurisdictions.
- Review and sign off control sheets, variance reports and sign off packs before they go to the Payroll Services Manager.
- Own the issue log for the account — record everything and flag patterns early
| Client and Stakeholder Management |
- Act as the senior day to day contact for the client — professional, proactive and solution focused.
- Attend and contribute to monthly client meetings chaired by the Payroll Services Manager.
- Draft client communications for review by the Payroll Services Manager before sending.
- Escalate client issues to the Payroll Services Manager immediately — never make unilateral decisions on scope or process.
- Build strong working relationships with HR, Finance and third party payroll providers.
| Technical Excellence |
- Maintain expert knowledge of UK payroll legislation and a strong working knowledge of international payroll across relevant jurisdictions.
- Provide technical guidance to Payroll Specialists and Administrators on the account.
- Identify and flag any compliance risks or legislative changes that affect the account.
- Lead on complex payroll calculations — backdated changes, terminations, statutory payments across multiple countries.
| Planning and Pre-planning |
- Contribute to the six month service delivery plan — own the payroll specific elements.
- Plan for key annual events in advance — salary reviews, year end, bonus runs, benefit renewals.
- Ensure data requirements are communicated to HR well ahead of cut off dates.
- Flag any risks to the payroll timeline early — never escalate late.
| Ways of Working |
- Follow the CE Global escalation process — hold warmly, escalate fast, close the loop.
- Ensure everything agreed verbally is confirmed in writing.
- Use data to support every recommendation and every conversation with the client.
- Represent CE Global's values in every interaction — with the client, with HR and with the wider team.
Knowledge and Skills Required
Essential
• Strong technical payroll knowledge — UK payroll essential.
• Experience running complex, multi-component payroll for a large workforce.
• Ability to direct and quality check the work of others without formal line management.
• Professional client communication — written and verbal.
• Strong attention to detail and a systematic approach to checking.
Desirable
• Experience with global or multi-jurisdictional payroll.
• Experience with third party payroll providers and HRIS integrations.
• Knowledge of international statutory requirements across EMEA.
About the Company
CE Global Partners are a successful and fast-growing consultancy, specialising in client-side support to enable and deliver HR and payroll transformations and managed payroll services globally, enabled by market-leading technology. We work across multiple industries, sectors and technologies to help our global clients design, implement, operate and optimise their HR and payroll operating models. We typically implement market-leading HR technology such as Oracle HCM, Workday, Ceridian and SAP SuccessFactors, alongside delivering UK and global payroll services, including payroll implementation, transition and ongoing managed services. Working within the CE team, you will learn, grow and progress in a culture that is supportive and collaborative, while using best-in-class delivery methods. Our clients recognise us for the quality and impact of the work we deliver. If you are looking for your next career challenge while working with industry experts in HR, payroll and transformation, this is the perfect opportunity for you.