We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Associate Director – Payroll and HR Admin Services to join our client´s team in Barcelona (Spain), Limerick (Ireland), or the United Kingdom in a hybrid work model.

This senior leadership role requires a strategic and hands-on approach, deep expertise in European payroll processing, and HR administrative services, with a strong understanding of operations in Spain, Ireland, or the UK. The successful candidate will drive growth, ensure operational excellence, and enhance client satisfaction while working closely with the firm’s partners.

What will you do?

• Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and execute strategies to expand and improve the firm’s Payroll and HR Admin service offerings in Europe and the USA.
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and teamwork across international offices.
• Manage the service line’s profit and loss account in collaboration with the finance director and partners.
• Client Management:
• Oversee and deliver top-tier payroll processing and HR admin services to international clients.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor for payroll and HR administration matters.
• Serve as the primary contact for all payroll processing and HR administration inquiries related to clients’ entities.
• Operational Excellence:
• Lead and manage a cross-border team to ensure seamless and compliant payroll processing and HR admin services.
• Ensure compliance with in-country laws and regulations, including payroll tax and social security filings/payments.
• Embed HR admin services in core in-house practices across the USA, Ireland, UK, and Spain.
• Implement operational excellence standards within internal teams and partner firms in jurisdictions where the firm does not have an in-house presence.
• Manage relationships with in-country partner firms to ensure delivery excellence.
• Team Development:
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering professional growth and knowledge-sharing.
• Recruit and retain top talent to strengthen the service line practice.
• Business Development:
• Work closely with the Growth team to identify and pursue new business opportunities in line with strategic goals.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.

Candidate Profile

• Education & Professional Credentials:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Additional qualifications in payroll or HR administration are preferred.
• Experience:
• 10+ years of progressive payroll processing and HR admin services experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in an international professional services firm is preferred.
• Strong expertise in local and international payroll processing.
• Skills:
• Expertise in payroll processing software and HRM systems.
• Deep understanding of payroll regulations in at least one core European jurisdiction (Ireland, UK, or Spain).
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-compliance environment.
• Strong project management skills, particularly for process automation initiatives.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with accounting teams.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on efficiency and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Additional Attributes:
• Experience working with diverse international teams.
• Familiarity with technology-driven financial solutions and tools is an advantage.

Why Join Our Client?

• Be part of a forward-thinking global team dedicated to excellence.
• Work on exciting projects with a diverse international client base.
• Access opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Competitive compensation (base salary and bonus) and additional benefits.
• Flexible working hours under a hybrid office/work-from-home model.

Apply now and be a key player in our global expansion!

About Us

Worldwiders is a global B2B-oriented recruitment company that specializes in executive search and specialist recruitment worldwide. Since our journey began in 2016, we have become the go-to partner for tailor-made recruitment solutions, connecting top talent with prestigious opportunities across the globe. With a proven track record of over 5000 successful placements and 400+ satisfied partners in 40+ countries, our expertise ensures that we match each talent and company with the best opportunities to drive career growth and organizational success.

To cater to specific markets and meet the diverse needs of industries and roles across the globe, we operate through a diverse portfolio of five specialized brands: Nordic Jobs Worldwide, Multilingual Jobs Worldwide, Asian Jobs Worldwide, IT Jobs Worldwide, and our dedicated Executive Search brand. Each brand is uniquely designed to focus on particular markets, ensuring comprehensive and customized recruitment solutions. Contact us today to explore how we can elevate your career or support your recruitment needs.