URBN Payroll Team Lead (6 Month FTC)

URBN UK Limited is part of the URBN Group, a global retailer, with its European Head Office located in London. Its retail offering in Europe takes the form of three brands.

With stores in more than 10 European countries and a strong e-commerce presence, we’re driven by the same core values as our customers, and we approach our work with a sense of community and purpose that sets our brands apart. We love what we do.

This position is located at 146 Brick Lane, London, , E16RU United Kingdom

We're looking for an experienced Payroll Lead to oversee the delivery of accurate, compliant and efficient payroll operations across URBN's Europe and APAC regions.

Leading a team of two payroll professionals, you'll be responsible for the successful delivery of outsourced payrolls across multiple countries, supporting approximately 4,000 employees and a growing international business. You'll partner closely with HR, Finance, Compliance and external payroll providers to ensure payroll is delivered accurately on time and in line with local legislation.

As the payroll subject matter expert, you'll play a key role in driving process improvements, supporting systems enhancements and delivering workload related to payroll transformation projects.

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of payroll across 15 outsourced payrolls throughout Europe and APAC, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing.
• Manage, coach and develop a team of two Payroll Specialists, providing day-to-day leadership, support and ongoing development.
• Act as the primary relationship owner for external payroll providers, managing service delivery, KPIs and SLAs whilst driving continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with HR, People Operations, Finance, Compliance and external advisors to ensure payroll processes support business needs.
• Own the payroll calendar, ensuring all payroll deadlines, statutory submissions and reporting requirements are met.
• Stay up to date with changes in payroll legislation across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring payroll remains fully compliant.
• Lead payroll-related projects including new country implementations, systems upgrades, process improvements and organisational change initiatives.
• Act as the payroll systems expert, supporting integrations, system testing, HRIS enhancements and troubleshooting across payroll platforms.
• Resolve complex payroll queries relating to, taxation, global mobility, benefits and multi-country payroll scenarios.
• Oversee the administration of company pension schemes and statutory payroll obligations.
• Coordinate payroll audit activity, maintaining robust controls and supporting both internal and external audit requirements.
• Review and continuously improve payroll processes, documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring strong governance and audit readiness.
• Partner with Compliance and Information Security teams to ensure employee data is managed securely and in line with GDPR requirements.
• Champion operational excellence by identifying opportunities for automation, efficiency and improved employee experience across the payroll function.

• Significant experience leading payroll operations within a fast-paced, multi-country organisation.
• Experience managing outsourced payroll providers across multiple European countries & APAC
• Previous people management experience, with a passion for coaching and developing high performing teams.
• Strong understanding of UK and European payroll legislation, compliance and statutory requirements.
• CIPP qualification essential.
• Advanced Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP and the ability to manipulate and analyse large datasets.
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll and ERP systems, with confidence supporting systems testing and integrations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to investigate and resolve complex payroll, accounting and reconciliation issues.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across HR, Finance, Technology and external providers.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to prioritise multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and delivering an outstanding employee experience.
• Ability to work independently whilst managing multiple priorities across an international business.

URBN is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marital status, religion, race, or disability. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.