International Payroll & Support Manager

International Payroll amd Support Manager

(Full-time: 38 hours per week)

Are you ready to take on a pivotal role where you’ll oversee payroll and HR support operations across multiple countries? Action is growing fast internationally, and we’re looking for a seasoned International Payroll Manager to join our HR Services leadership team. In this role, you’ll ensure that over 70,000 (and soon 90,000) employees receive their salaries accurately and on time, while shaping the global payroll strategy that supports Action’s ambitious growth.

This is your daily Action

As International Payroll Manager, you’ll work closely with your peer Manager International Payroll & Support and report directly to the Head of HR Services. Together, you’ll oversee payroll and support services across 14 countries — a number that grows every year as Action expands. With an annual salary mass exceeding €75 million, you’ll ensure payroll processes run smoothly, compliantly, and consistently across all regions.

Your responsibilities include defining and executing the international payroll and support strategy, managing central and remote expert teams, and maintaining strong vendor partnerships with external payroll providers. You’ll monitor payroll performance across all countries, create insightful dashboards and KPIs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that deliver operational excellence. You’ll also play a leading role in rolling out payroll services in new countries and distribution centers, ensuring Action’s rapid expansion is fully supported.

Meet your team

You’ll be part of the HR Services senior management team, working closely with your payroll peers, the Compensation & Benefits team, HR project managers, IT, and HRIS. Together, you’ll deliver high-quality, standardized payroll and support services while ensuring a great employee experience across Europe. At Action, collaboration is key. You’ll lead an international team of payroll specialists based at HQ, as well as Payroll Managers and Team Coordinators across the countries. By fostering knowledge sharing, providing coaching, and encouraging continuous development, you’ll empower your teams to deliver payroll excellence every single month.

This is you

You’re a strategic thinker with hands-on experience in managing payroll operations across multiple countries. Pragmatic and highly organized, you thrive on complexity but know how to simplify and standardize processes to achieve operational excellence. You’re confident in stakeholder management, comfortable collaborating at senior levels, and strong in driving improvements and large-scale projects.

In addition, you bring:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Finance, or HR
• 8+ years of international payroll management experience
• Proven leadership of central and remote teams across multiple regions
• Strong project management skills and experience with large payroll transitions
• Expertise in payroll systems and digital HR processes (experience with SAP SuccessFactors/ECP is an advantage)
• Extensive experience working with international payroll vendors and insourcing payroll processes
• Excellent communication skills in English and Dutch

What we offer

At Action’s international headquarters in Zwaagdijk-Oost, you’ll take a senior leadership role in one of Europe’s fastest-growing retail companies. We offer a dynamic, supportive environment where you can shape the future of international payroll while developing yourself and your team.

Our benefits include:

• 24 vacation days (based on a 38-hour workweek), with the option to buy 5 extra days
• 15% staff discount at Action stores
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working (40% from home)
• A competitive annual bonus based on personal and company performance
• Comprehensive pension scheme, travel allowance, home working allowance, and collective health insurance

How we contribute to society

Action goes beyond retail. We are dedicated to creating positive societal and environmental impacts by sponsoring over 2,500 children worldwide through SOS Children’s Villages, embracing diversity with colleagues representing 124 nationalities, sourcing sustainable materials, and implementing energy-efficient solutions in our stores. Want to discover more? Join our team!

Interested?

Action proudly supports diversity and inclusivity. If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply today!

What happens next:

1. Response to your application as soon as possibleFirst interview with the manager and a colleague
2. Online assessment to further explore your profile
3. Second interview with an HR Business Partner and a key stakeholder
4. Welcome to Action!

Throughout the recruitment process, your dedicated recruiter will be available to answer questions and guide you every step of the way.