The Global Payroll Director leads and manages the global payroll function for Criteo across 20+ countries, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations. Responsibilities include payroll strategy, operations, governance, controls, vendor management, and continuous improvement. The role requires leadership of the payroll team, process standardization, automation, compliance with local and global regulations, audit readiness, and collaboration with cross-functional teams such as HR, Finance, Legal, and IT. The director will lead payroll transformation projects, system implementations, and vendor transitions while maintaining operational excellence and risk management. The position reports to the VP of People Services & Solutions and requires 10+ years of payroll experience with strong leadership, analytical, and stakeholder management skills. A bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred. Payroll certifications (CPP, FPC) are a plus. The role offers a hybrid work model based in Barcelona, Spain.
What you'll do
Lead the global payroll function ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across 20+ countries
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Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field preferred
10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including significant people leadership responsibility in a complex, multinational environment
Deep expertise in global payroll operations, payroll compliance, controls, and best practices
Strong knowledge of payroll governance, audit readiness, and internal control environments
Demonstrated experience leading payroll process improvement, transformation, and systems-related initiatives
Experience operating in a hands-on leadership role with the ability to move between strategic planning and detailed execution
Proven ability to lead teams through complexity, change, and ambiguity
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and experience working in matrixed, international organizations
Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to clearly articulate risks, tradeoffs, and opportunities to audiences at all levels of the organization
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data and judgment to drive decisions
Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes through credibility, storytelling, and fact-based recommendations
Strong work ethic, ownership mindset, and willingness to roll up sleeves as needed
Experience with payroll vendor management, global payroll implementations, and service delivery governance strongly preferred
CPP, FPC, or relevant international payroll certification is a plus
Benefits
Hybrid work model blending home and in-office experiencesLearning, mentorship & career development programsHealth benefits, wellness perks & mental health supportDiverse, inclusive, and globally connected teamAttractive salary with performance-based rewards and family-friendly policiesPotential for equity depending on role and levelAdditional benefits may vary depending on country and nature of employment
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