Sr Director of Global Payroll

Head of Global Payroll
Aliso Viejo, CA, United StatesJob Description

We are seeking an experienced Head of Global Payroll to lead and scale the payroll function for our rapidly growing, innovation-driven global ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical device company. This role offers a unique opportunity to design, build, and optimize payroll processes and systems that will support our ambitious growth trajectory and global footprint.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced growth environment, bringing deep payroll expertise, a strategic mindset, hands-on approach, and a passion for building scalable, efficient systems that deliver exceptional service to our employees worldwide.

This is a working manager role, overseeing a small team. The successful candidate will be both in the day-to-day detailed execution with the team, as well as looking forward-looking planning and project management.

Strategic Leadership and Process Development

• Work with Finance leadership to develop and execute a global payroll strategy to meet the needs of a dynamic and rapidly expanding organization.
• Develop and implement scalable payroll processes and systems that anticipate and accommodate future growth and complexity.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT teams to ensure effective, proactive business partnership in broader business strategies and systems.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the accurate and compliant processing of multi-country payrolls across all regions, taking a hands-on role in day-to-day operations and establishing proactive, preventative measures to drive operational efficiency.
• Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of payroll systems as needed.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless integration in new market entries.
• Proactively identify and resolve payroll issues, driving continuous process improvement.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all local, national, and international payroll regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements.
• Partner with Accounting, Legal, Global Technology Solutions, and Audit teams to mitigate risks and maintain audit readiness.

Team Building and Leadership

• Lead the US and global payroll teams, balancing customer experience, compliance, growth scaling, and process efficiency.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the payroll function.
• Provide ongoing coaching, development, and mentorship to team members.

Education and Experience

• ??Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA preferred).
• 15 years of progressive payroll experience, with significant leadership experience in a global, high-growth environment.
• Proven success in designing and scaling payroll systems and processes in a rapidly growing organization.
• Industry experience in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or healthcare is a strong plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Expert knowledge of domestic and international payroll compliance, and taxation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead system implementations.
• Exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills, with a focus on innovation and scalability.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in various payroll platforms.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• What countries have you done Payroll for?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Payroll: 10 years (Preferred)
• Payroll Director: 3 years (Preferred)
• Global Payroll: 5 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Aliso Viejo, CA 92656: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person