ASAP: Senior Payroll Specialist France & Italy (m/w/d)

- 6-month contract | Start date: 10-15 November | Fully remote set up possible - Workday and multi-country payroll environment

Our client is a fast-growing international organisation known for its modern and people-focused culture. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced payroll professional who can quickly take ownership of payroll operations and support ongoing process improvement initiatives. Job Description - Manage end-to-end payroll operations with primary responsibility for France and Italy, while supporting Spain and Portugal. - Coordinate and review payroll activities delivered by external payroll providers, ensuring accuracy and timely processing. - Ensure compliance with French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese payroll, tax and labour legislation. - Manage payroll inputs including salaries, bonuses, benefits, overtime and statutory deductions. - Prepare payroll reports, support reconciliations and partner with Finance on payroll-related controls. - Prepare and coordinate legally required payroll and employment documentation. - Serve as a key point of contact for employees, authorities, insurers and benefit providers. - Collaborate closely with HR, Finance and external vendors to ensure seamless payroll operations. - Own and optimise payroll data flows and integrations between Workday and external payroll providers. - Support audits, SOX-compliant controls and continuous payroll process improvements. - Handle complex employment scenarios, including international mobility and cross-border arrangements. - Contribute to payroll automation, standardisation initiatives and future country expansions The Successful Applicant - 4+ years of payroll experience with strong expertise in France and/or Italy. - Excellent knowledge of French and/or Italian payroll legislation and compliance requirements. - Hands-on experience working with external payroll providers. - Experience in international, fast-paced or retail environments is advantageous. - Fluent English plus French and/or Italian preferred. - Strong knowledge of Workday and payroll system integrations. - Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities. - High attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information. - Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. What's on Offer - High-visibility payroll ownership role - International and collaborative environment - Exposure to Workday optimisation projects - Opportunity to drive automation and process improvements - Broad stakeholder interaction across HR and Finance - Growing organisation with ongoing transformation initiatives