Payroll Manager

A leading UAE-based bottled water & FMCG company is looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and transform its end-to-end payroll function.

This is a strategic role for a payroll professional who can go beyond payroll processing and drive payroll governance, automation, process improvement, pay structure revisions, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities :

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing for a large workforce with strong focus on accuracy, compliance, confidentiality, and timely processing.

• Drive pay structure reviews and revisions, including salary structures, allowances, grades, increments, and payroll policies.

• Lead payroll automation and digital transformation initiatives to improve efficiency, controls, and turnaround time.

• Oversee payroll reconciliation, reporting, audits, and coordination with HR & Finance.

• Ensure compliance with UAE labour regulations, WPS, EOSB, and company policies.

• Lead payroll system enhancements, integrations, and process improvements.

• Partner with HR leadership on compensation reviews, budgeting, salary revisions, and workforce cost analysis.

• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team while establishing robust SOPs and internal controls.

Ideal Candidate :

We are looking for a hands-on and transformation-oriented Payroll Manager with:

• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 3–5 years in a managerial/supervisory capacity.

• Strong experience managing high-volume, end-to-end payroll operations.

• Proven experience in pay structure revision and compensation-related payroll changes.

• Strong track record in payroll automation, HRIS/payroll implementation, and process optimization.

• Strong knowledge of UAE payroll, WPS, EOSB, and labour regulations.

• Advanced Excel and strong analytical/reporting skills.

• Excellent people leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, or other large workforce environments is preferred.