Senior Payroll & Benefit Operations Specialist (gn)

In this role you own and optimize the Germany payroll, acting as the local expert while contributing to regional payroll excellence across EMEA. You ensure accurate, on-time payroll and drive continuous improvement through standardisation and automation. You will collaborate with internal stakeholders, external providers, and auditors to maintain compliant, efficient payroll operations. This position sits within a global, mission-driven team that values cross-functional collaboration and scalable payroll solutions.

• continuous learning opportunities
• professional development
• benefits tailored to career stage
• incentives depending on role and location
• competitive compensation per industry collective agreement
• global healthcare company environment

• Manage end-to-end German payroll processing, reporting, controls and SOX-compliant documentation
• Develop and administer company and collectively agreed benefits (e.g., occupational pension, lifetime working time accounts)
• Provide expert guidance on complex German payroll topics to internal and external partners
• Coordinate with external institutions, authorities, service providers and auditors
• Support statutory and internal audits with data and explanations from Payroll, Finance, Tax, Legal or Total Rewards
• Advise employees, managers, and stakeholders on payroll processes and operational topics
• Drive continuous improvement, standardisation, automation, and process documentation; contribute to regional/global payroll projects
• Provide backup for a second country to ensure operational continuity

• Degree in business administration, economics, or certified HR specialist
• At least 5 years of German payroll experience, preferably in a company with collective agreements
• Knowledge of German social security, tax and labour law regulations
• Experience managing end-to-end payroll with external providers; experience in shared service/regional/international environments is a plus
• Proficiency in HR IT systems (SAP HR and/or Employee Central is a plus), Excel and databases
• Experience with payroll process improvement, standardisation and automation
• Strong stakeholder management and international communication skills
• English proficiency (written and verbal); another language is a plus
• Structured, quality-focused mindset with ability to collaborate across functions and cultures

• Strong communication in international settings
• Stakeholder management
• Analytical mindset
• SAP HR
• Employee Central
• Excel