Senior Payroll Secialist - TEMP (maternity cover)

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Senior Payroll & Compensation Specialist to join our Shared Services Centre in Barcelona on a temporary basis to cover a maternity leave.

This role will be primarily responsible for coordinating and overseeing the monthly payroll process for approximately 700 employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery. Working closely with the Payroll Specialist and external payroll providers, the successful candidate will act as the key payroll lead, managing payroll inputs, validations, controls, reporting, and employee support.

In addition to payroll responsibilities, the role will support compensation and benefits administration, HR compliance activities, employee data management, and HR reporting. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build effective relationships with employees, managers, and external partners in a fast-paced multinational environment.Payroll Management (Primary Focus)

• Lead and coordinate the monthly payroll cycle for approximately 700 employees in partnership with the Payroll Specialist and external payroll provider.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, in line with internal procedures and statutory requirements.
• Review and validate payroll inputs, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, bonuses, variable compensation, benefits deductions, absences, and other employee data.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, controls, and audits to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries from employees, managers, and stakeholders.
• Ensure payroll records and supporting documentation are maintained appropriately and confidentially.
• Collaborate with Finance and external providers to resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure smooth payroll operations.
• Monitor payroll-related legislative changes and ensure continued compliance with local employment and tax regulations.
• Support the Payroll Specialist in the administration of payroll processes and act as a backup when required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Administer and support employee benefits programmes, including private medical insurance, pension plans, meal vouchers, flexible compensation schemes, and company cars.
• Coordinate benefit enrolment, modifications, renewals, and employee communications.
• Liaise with external providers and brokers to ensure effective administration of benefit programmes.
• Support compensation reviews and provide relevant data and analysis when required.
• Conduct benchmarking and market analysis to support compensation and benefits decision-making.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain accurate employee records across HR systems and personnel files.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with company policies and local legal requirements.
• Prepare employment-related documentation, including contractual changes and employee letters.
• Support employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, employment changes, and offboarding administration.
• Coordinate with external legal advisors and providers on employment-related matters as required.
• Support compliance with labour legislation and internal policies.

HR Reporting & Analytics

• Prepare and analyse payroll, headcount, absenteeism, compensation, and benefits reports.
• Monitor and maintain People & Culture metrics and KPIs.
• Provide regular analysis and insights to support business and People & Culture decision-making.
• Generate ad hoc reports and dashboards as required by management.