Global Payroll Director

At SiteMinder we believe the individual contributions of our employees are what drive our success. That’s why we hire and encourage diverse teams that include and respect a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Our diverse and inclusive culture enables our employees to bring their unique selves to work and be proud of doing so. It’s in our differences that we will keep revolutionising the way for our customers. We are better together!

What We Do…

We’re people who love technology but know that hoteliers just want things to be simple. So since 2006 we’ve been constantly innovating our world-leading hotel commerce platform to help accommodation owners find and book more guests online - quickly and simply.

We’ve helped everyone from boutique hotels to big chains, enabling travellers to book igloos, cabins, castles, holiday parks, campsites, pubs, resorts, Airbnbs, and everything in between.

And today, we’re the world’s leading open hotel commerce platform, supporting 50,000 hotels in 150+ countries - with over 130 million reservations processed by SiteMinder’s technology every year.

About the Global Payroll Director role...

You will lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of payroll across a complex, multi-jurisdictional organization spanning 9 countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America and the USA (multi-state). This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for governing global payroll strategy, risk management, compliance frameworks, technology transformation, and team development.

As a member of the HR leadership team, you will establish payroll as a strategic business function with accountability for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across a diverse regulatory landscape. This role combines hands-on operational expertise with strategic oversight, requiring you to balance day-to-day execution with transformational initiatives that enhance SiteMinder’s payroll capability and resilience.

You will oversee a distributed payroll function including a team in the Philippines, while building partnerships across finance, HR, legal, and senior leadership. You’ll own the payroll technology roadmap, lead vendor partnerships, drive process optimization, and ensure payroll delivers value beyond compliance, supporting business strategy through data insights, talent planning integration, and cost optimization.

This role is accountable for the end-to-end payroll function serving an employee base in excess of 900, operating across multiple time zones and regulatory jurisdictions.

What you’ll do…

• Establish and execute the strategic payroll roadmap, including technology transformation, process optimization, and capability development across the global function.

• Build and develop a high-performing, distributed payroll leadership team; establish clear performance frameworks, career pathways, and capability-building initiatives across all regions.

• Own payroll quality, accuracy, and compliance standards; establish governance frameworks, internal controls, and audit-ready processes to mitigate risk and demonstrate resilience.

• Establish and manage strategic partnerships with global payroll vendors, compliance service providers, and technology platforms; negotiate contracts and ensure vendor accountability to service standards.

• Build strong strategic relationships with Finance, HR, Legal, and senior business leaders; ensure payroll data insights inform business planning and support talent strategy alignment.

• Lead payroll compliance across all jurisdictions; manage regulatory relationships, audit responses, and statutory reporting; ensure adherence to employment law and tax obligations globally.

• Lead strategic initiatives and organizational priorities including:

  • Evaluate, implement, and optimize payroll technology platforms and processing solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and support business growth across all jurisdictions

  • Define and own global payroll governance standards, policy frameworks, and operational procedures across all regions, ensuring consistency, compliance, and best practice

  • Oversee the administration and strategic integration of employee share-based payments and equity programs; ensure accurate reporting and compliance with accounting and tax requirements globally

What you have…

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in managing payroll functions across both in-house and outsourced processing models, with at least 3 years in a strategic leadership or management position.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in accounting, business, finance, or a related field; professional certification (e.g., CIPD, CPA, or equivalent) preferred

• Demonstrated expertise with outsourced payroll compliance and vendor management across multiple countries; experience leading global payroll implementations and transformations.

• Strong working knowledge of payroll compliance and processing in at least four of the following jurisdictions: Spain, UK, Germany, Ireland, Philippines, Thailand, Australia, NZ and the USA (multi-state); ability to interpret complex tax and employment regulations.

• Proven ability to build, develop, and motivate large, geographically distributed teams; demonstrated track record of creating high-performance cultures and establishing clear performance and career frameworks.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively across multiple time zones and cultures; experience building strong partnerships with Finance, HR, Legal, and senior business leadership.

• Exceptional strategic leadership and management skills; ability to drive organizational change, establish governance frameworks, and deliver results in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Strategic thinker who remains hands-on and engaged in operational delivery; comfort with balancing big-picture thinking with attention to detail and process excellence.

• Ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships with HR leadership; experience aligning payroll operations with broader talent and people strategy.

• Strong commitment to data governance, security, and privacy compliance; ability to establish and maintain robust controls protecting sensitive employee and financial information.

Our Perks & Benefits…

• Hybrid working model (in-office & from home)

• Mental health and well-being initiatives

• Paid birthday, study and volunteering leave every year

• Sponsored social clubs, team events, and celebrations

• Employee Resource Groups (ERG) to help you connect and get involved

• Investment in your personal growth offering training for your advancement

Does this job sound like you? If yes, we'd love for you to be part of our team! Please send a copy of your resume and our Talent Acquisition team will be in touch.

When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any adjustments you may need during the interview process. We encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.