Associate Director of Payroll Strategy & Operations
16 hours ago
Leeds
Intro The Associate Director, Payroll Strategy & Operations, plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the global payroll strategy for Flutter. Partnering closely with the Head of Payroll and the People Services Director, this role is responsible for building a scalable operating model, strengthening governance and controls, and ensuring the seamless onboarding of new brands and payrolls into the global framework. Operating in a federated, multi-geography environment, this role ensures alignment between enterprise standards, local market requirements, and an evolving HR, Finance, and technology landscape. Success in this role is measured through operational excellence, governance maturity, global process consistency, and the ability to future-proof payroll through transformation and innovation. What You’ll Do Global Payroll Strategy & Operating Model • Develop and implement the global payroll strategy and operating model, ensuring alignment with broader People Services objectives., • Design and maintain the payroll operating model, including governance, service scope, and delivery structure., • Create playbooks and readiness frameworks for onboarding new brands—covering assessment, transition and BAU stabilisation., • Define the end-to-end integration roadmap across HR, Finance and Technology. Governance, Risk & Policy • Build and maintain a global payroll governance framework and control library in partnership with HR Operations and Risk & Compliance., • Lead periodic reviews, risk assessments and SOX/compliance audits. Partner & Change Management • Partner with People Services Director to ensure payroll strategy supports CPOs, Finance and business priorities., • Act as strategic liaison for new brand onboarding, payroll-related projects and vendor transitions., • Act as a point of contact for executive payroll partner concerns. Data, Metrics & Insights • Define global payroll metrics and dashboards with the Head of Payroll., • Leverage data insights to drive decision-making, improve performance and support technology adoption. Future Design & Transformation • Drive payroll innovation, including automation, AI-based validations and enhanced integrations., • Evaluate payroll process design, vendor capability and systems on an ongoing basis to ensure scalability and efficiency. How You’ll Do It Skills and Knowledge • Deep expertise in global payroll and compliance., • Strong understanding of global payroll operating models and governance frameworks., • Experience transforming payroll in federated business models., • Advanced data analysis and reporting capability., • Excellent leadership, influence and partner engagement skills., • Strong cross-cultural communication and global collaboration skills., • Strong analytical, commercial and critical thinking skills., • Technology proficiency (Payroll systems, ERP, integrations)., • Shown change leadership and agility in complex environments. Technical Knowledge & Experience • 15+ years of hands-on global payroll experience across processes, systems and integrations., • Experience leading payroll transformation, vendor transitions or major system rollouts across multiple geographies., • Experience designing global payroll operating models and governance frameworks., • Strong knowledge of international tax laws, labour regulations, SOX and control frameworks., • Expertise in developing and interpreting payroll dashboards with strong narrative storytelling., • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate under pressure and lead multiple priorities., • Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across HR, Finance, Legal and external partners., • Ability to adapt to fast-paced environments and regulatory change. Behavioural Competencies • Strong people leadership—capable of developing, motivating and managing multinational teams., • Effective delegation and prioritisation., • High diligence, problem-solving and issue-resolution skills., • Cultural awareness and ability to work internationally., • Strong partner management across HR, Finance and Legal., • Adaptability—effective in periods of transition (M&A, system changes, regulatory changes)., • Innovative attitude, employing new technologies to improve accuracy and reduce manual effort., • Strong strategic and commercial thinking., • Excellent time-management and ability to manage competing priorities. What’s In It For You We are a flexible employer; whether you have personal commitments or a hobby that brings you joy, we want you to bring your best self to work and feel empowered to do so. We also like to share our success; after all, you make it happen. We have an excellent benefits package that can be personalised to you: • Bonus scheme, • Uncapped holiday allowance!, • Enhanced pension scheme, • Private healthcare, • Life assurance, • Income protection, • £1,000 annual self-development learning fund, • Invest via the Flutter Sharesave Scheme, • Enhanced parental leave About Flutter We are a world leader in online sports betting and iGaming, with a market-leading position in the US and across the world. We have an unparalleled portfolio of innovative, diverse and distinctive brands including FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, Sportsbet, PokerStars, Paddy Power, Sisal, tombola, Betfair, MaxBet, Junglee Games and Adjarabet. With our global scale and challenger attitude, we excite and entertain our customers in a safe and sustainable way. Using our collective power— the Flutter Edge —we aim to disrupt the sector, learning from the past to build a better future for our customers, colleagues and communities. We’re committed to being an inclusive employer, and we encourage people from all backgrounds, ways of thinking and working to apply. You don’t need to meet every requirement listed to be considered. If you need any adjustments to make this role work for you, let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.