Head of Payroll Germany (m/f/d)

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Pacific International Recruitment is an exclusive recruitment consultancy with over 25 years of experience in placing specialists and executives. With our headquarters in London and additional locations in Düsseldorf and Philadelphia, we provide targeted support to our clients and candidates across EMEA, APAC, and the USA.

We have partnered with a global leader in energy efficiency and climate solutions to support their innovation and sustainability goals. With a strong international presence, the company combines engineering, electrification, and digitalization to optimize energy use and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, more sustainable future.

As the Payroll Manager for Germany, this role oversees national payroll operations while aligning with global standards. It ensures accurate and compliant payroll processing, drives process improvements, integrates digital tools, and fosters a culture of operational excellence. The position plays a key role in delivering a reliable and efficient payroll experience for employees, supporting transparency, consistency, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee Payroll Compliance & Audit Readiness: Ensure full compliance with statutory regulations and internal policies. Lead the preparation and execution of internal and external payroll audits.
• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team: Inspire and manage a team of 15 payroll professionals (including a team lead), focusing on professional development, engagement, and fostering a values-driven team culture.
• Manage End-to-End Payroll Operations: Take ownership of the full payroll lifecycle in Germany, including time tracking and benefits administration, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery.
• Collaborate with Key Stakeholders: Partner with Finance, IT, and external service providers to align payroll operations with broader business goals and ensure seamless data integration.
• Enhance Processes Through Technology: Drive ongoing improvement and digitalization of payroll services by utilizing tools such as ServiceNow, with the aim of increasing efficiency and improving employee experience.

Skills and Qualifications

• Extensive Payroll Expertise : Deep knowledge of German payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance requirements, gained through hands-on experience in in-house payroll operations.
• Benefits Administration: Familiar with managing company benefits programs in Germany, ensuring legal compliance and a positive employee experience.
• Leadership of Virtual Teams: Proven ability to lead and develop large, geographically distributed teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• HR & Payroll Systems Knowledge: Experience with integrated HR and payroll systems — ideally SAP SuccessFactors for HR and ADP for payroll — including process handling and data accuracy.
• Ticketing & Case Management Tools: Comfortable using platforms like ServiceNow or similar tools to manage HR service requests and ensure responsive support.
• Process Improvement & Digital Transformation: Demonstrated success in driving projects to streamline payroll operations, implement automation, and improve overall process efficiency.
• Strategic & Empathetic Leadership: Ability to navigate complex organizational structures with a leadership style that balances clarity, accountability, and empathy.
• Bilingual Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills in German and English, enabling clear collaboration with both local teams and international stakeholders.

Join a globally recognized industrial technology company as the Payroll Manager for Germany and take the lead in shaping payroll operations across the region. You will drive process excellence, ensure compliance with local and international standards, and implement digital solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an organization dedicated to innovation, operational integrity, and employee experience.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact to schedule an initial call.

About Pacific International Executive Search:

Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape. Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.

PACIFIC DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Human Resources
• Industries: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing and Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing

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