Payroll Manager, Shared Services Germany

JOB SUMMARY

The Payroll Manager, Shared Services Germany, is responsible for the operational leadership, service delivery, and continuous improvement of the payroll processes executed within the German Shared Services Center (SSC). The role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll execution for select hotel and above property entities across Germany while maintaining strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and external service providers. The Payroll Manager oversees a team of payroll and workforce management professionals, provides subject-matter guidance, ensures governance and payroll controls, and collaborates closely with HR and Finance representatives within the legal entities. Local HR/Finance teams remain responsible for employee data maintenance and input while the SSC manages centralized processing and quality assurance.

What This Role Offers

• Leadership responsibility for a central payroll function supporting ~2,800 employees across 19 entities.

• This role has 3 x direct reports.

• Collaboration with EMEA wide teams.

• Opportunities to influence systems, processes, and the future payroll operating model.

SCOPE

• Location: Eschborn, Germany

• Language Requirements: High proficiency (speaking, reading and writing) in German and English is required.

• Travel Requirements: There is expected to be a small component of business travel (less than 5% business travel required.)

• Right to Work: Applicants must have the legal right to work in Germany at the time of application. Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

• Hybrid policy: Office presence is required 2 to 3 days a week per the current policy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• PayrollProcessing: Lead and oversee end-to-end payroll processes for 2,750 employees across select entities. Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll cycles. Monitor payroll outputs, controls, audits, and exceptions. Maintain strong quality assurance and risk mitigation frameworks.

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, develop, and coach the SSC Germany team. Oversee workload planning, performance management, and capability building.

• Relationship Management: Act as the key contact for external payroll providers. Manage relationships with auditors, tax authorities, and social security bodies. Maintain strong partnerships with HR and Finance teams across the legal entities.

• Governance, Compliance & Controls: Ensure full compliance with German payroll laws, tax and social security regulations. Maintain internal controls and governance processes. Lead and support internal and external audits. Ensure GDPR and information security compliance.