Global Payroll Director

Global Payroll Director (UK & US Experience Required)Location: New York, NY (On-site flexibility required) 50% 2 or 3 days Onsite Duration: 6-Month Contract with Potential to Convert to PermanentRole OverviewOur client is seeking an experienced Global Payroll Director to lead and oversee multi-country payroll operations across the UK, US, and additional regions. This role requires strong hands-on payroll expertise, proven leadership experience, and the ability to both manage and build high-performing payroll teams within a fast-paced, global organization.This is a 6-month contract opportunity with strong potential for permanent placement, based on performance and business needs.Key ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end payroll operations across multi-country, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.Oversee and manage UK payroll (mandatory experience required) and US payroll operations.Lead, manage, and build payroll teams, including mentoring staff and supporting team expansion as the organization grows.Partner with global payroll vendors and internal HR/Finance teams to ensure seamless payroll delivery.Ensure compliance with UK statutory requirements, US payroll regulations, and other applicable international labor laws.Maintain and optimize payroll systems and HRIS platforms (Workday Payroll strongly preferred; ADP and SAP acceptable).Support payroll accounting, reconciliations, and month-end close processes.Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.Ensure strict confidentiality of employee compensation and payroll data.Drive process improvements, system enhancements, and operational efficiencies.Required Qualifications5+ years of hands-on global payroll experience, including multi-country payroll processing (3–5 countries minimum).UK payroll experience is mandatory.Proven experience managing and building payroll teams (required).Strong knowledge of payroll calculations, statutory compliance, and basic labor law principles.Experience working with global payroll vendors and HRIS systems.Workday Payroll experience strongly preferred (not just Workday HRIS).Cloudpay experience is strongly preferredPayroll accounting knowledge, including reconciliations and reporting.Intermediate Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, etc.).Experience in a multinational or fast-growing environment.Bachelor’s degree required.Payroll certifications (CPP, FPC, CIPP) are a plus.Key CompetenciesStrong leadership and team-building abilityDetail-oriented with exceptional accuracyAnalytical and problem-solving mindsetProactive, accountable, and results-drivenStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsCustomer-focused approachAbility to work independently and meet tight deadlinesHigh integrity and ability to manage confidential informationWork ArrangementBased in New York, NYMust be able to work on-site as required ( usually 50% 2 or 3 days a week) Candidates should reside within a reasonable commuting distance