Senior Payroll Manager – Germany (ADP Celergo)

Spencer Thomas Group (STG) is seeking to add to our team of consultants in our EMEA HCM Practice to support payroll operations for a client in Germany.

The consultant will serve as an interim Senior Payroll Manager, responsible for stabilizing payroll operations following a recent migration to ADP Celergo and the departure of the current payroll lead. The role will focus on ensuring accurate payroll delivery, managing vendor interactions, and addressing process and compliance challenges in a complex multinational environment.

This is a highly visible role requiring strong German payroll expertise, stakeholder management, and the ability to operate in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations for two German entities (~400 employees).
• Manage and review payroll processing delivered via ADP Celergo, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution.
• Act as the primary liaison with payroll vendors and external tax providers.
• Perform payroll validation, audit, and reconciliation activities to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with German payroll regulations, tax, and social security requirements.
• Manage complex payroll elements, including executive compensation, benefits, company cars, and expatriate payroll (including shadow payrolls).
• Support stabilization of payroll operations following recent system migration and organizational changes.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and internal stakeholders to resolve payroll issues and improve processes.
• Support ongoing integration between SuccessFactors and ADP Celergo.
• Provide guidance and support to junior payroll team members.
• Contribute to process documentation and improvement initiatives.

Required Qualification(s)

• Strong experience managing payroll in Germany.
• Experience working with ADP Celergo or outsourced payroll environments.
• Deep understanding of German payroll regulations, tax, and social security requirements.
• Experience handling complex payroll scenarios (expatriates, benefits, company cars, executive compensation).
• Strong vendor management and stakeholder communication skills.
• Fluency in German and English.

Preferred Qualification(s)

• Experience in multinational or matrixed organizations.
• Experience supporting payroll during system migrations or transitions.
• Experience with SuccessFactors or HRIS/payroll integrations.
• Strong analytical and process improvement skills.

Duration

Project-based consulting opportunity with an anticipated start date of May 1st (or earlier if possible) and an expected duration of approximately six months.

Level of Effort

Full-time.

Working Hours

On-site near Frankfurt preferred (100% ideal). Limited remote flexibility may be available initially, but onsite presence is strongly recommended.