Global Payroll Manager

About PartnerRe

PartnerRe is a prominent privately held global reinsurer known for financial solidity and a commitment to rebuilding businesses and communities after risk events. Our mission centers on remaining financially stable and a dependable partner by crafting tailored solutions to serve our clients, delivering excellent returns to our owners, offering rewarding career opportunities, and contributing positively to society. Our core values include Integrity, Performance, Collaboration, Straightforward Communication, and Respect and Care.

Our company culture fosters a global perspective, encouraging connections across multiple offices and organizational levels. This environment allows employees to shape their careers, grow in supportive settings, engage with experts worldwide, and make impactful contributions.

Role Overview

As the Global Payroll Manager, you will oversee payroll functions across more than 10 countries in North America, Europe, and APAC, managing payroll delivery for over 1,300 employees. This leadership position involves directing a distributed, high-performing team, transforming payroll and benefits into strategic partners aligned with PartnerRe's goals, ensuring compliance, managing benefits impacting payroll, and coordinating vendor relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a global payroll team ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing and provide backup support for critical regions.
• Foster team growth through coaching, cross-training, knowledge sharing, and ongoing professional development.
• Drive payroll simplification and automation initiatives, incorporating AI enhancements in collaboration with IT, Finance, HR, Legal, and vendors.
• Create and maintain standardized payroll procedures, country-specific compliance guidelines, and global practices adaptable to regional needs.
• Supervise all payroll operations including reconciliations, payments, deductions, wage verifications, reporting, issue resolution, testing, salary adjustments, bonuses, and time reporting.
• Manage the payroll-related aspects of employee benefit programs across regions, ensuring compliance with plans and local legislation.
• Handle payroll audits, manage vendor relationships and escalations, ensure data accuracy, and oversee compliance efforts to maintain operational excellence.
• Participate in strategic initiatives and steering committees to enhance processes, reinforce governance, and align payroll operations with business objectives and payroll strategy.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Over 10 years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, specifically in multi-country or international payroll operations and compliance.
• At least 5 years in payroll leadership roles within corporate environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong technical proficiency with payroll systems, benefits impact administration, HRIS platforms, vendor portals, data interface, reporting tools, and advanced Excel skills.
• In-depth knowledge of international payroll legislation, tax withholding, and reporting requirements.
• Proven capability in leading, coaching, and building effective global teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and process optimization abilities to tackle complex payroll challenges and data inconsistencies.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills to collaborate seamlessly with HR, Finance, Legal, IT, vendors, and third-party administrators.
• Ability to handle confidential employee information, resolve issues sensitively, and maintain discretion in data management and reporting.
• Possession of a payroll certification from a recognized national authority, supporting both educational and practical requirements, including ongoing education.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Experience with global payroll platforms such as SAP ECP, ADP, UKG, or Dayforce, as well as familiarity with banking systems and third-party payroll vendors.
• Exposure to SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central or similar global HRIS tools.
• Understanding of benefits administration and its impact on payroll processes.
• Additional credentials in HR or benefits areas.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and French (Canadian and/or France dialects).

Additional Information

PartnerRe values diversity and inclusion, providing a respectful and empowering workplace. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during recruitment upon request. The company employs a hybrid work model requiring employees to work onsite three days weekly to encourage collaboration and performance.

Salary range at the Toronto location is CAD 115,000 - 150,000 annually, with compensation adjusted for other locations based on local standards. Eligible employees can participate in an annual incentive program and access extensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, health spending accounts, pensions, life insurance, and disability coverage.

Applicants should note that recruitment communications may involve AI-assisted transcription tools unless otherwise requested.