Director, Payroll

Overview

The Director of Global Payroll reports directly to the Global HR Services and Enablement Leader and serves as the strategic leader for all global payroll initiatives, opportunities, and guiding principles. This role holds full accountability for the oversight and management of the payroll function for all Celanese employees worldwide.

As a key member of the Global HR Services and Enablement Leadership Team, the Director will drive the standardization, efficiency, and optimization of payroll processes across all regions. This position plays a critical role in leading transformational change within the global HR Services and Enablement organization.

Celanese is embarking on an exciting initiative to implement a modern HR Service Delivery Model. This transformation will encompass changes across people, processes, and technology, enabling the organization to scale effectively and support our ambitious business growth strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire global payroll teams by fostering a strong team identity, pride, and morale through employee engagement, inclusion and diversity initiatives, and social impact programs.
• Collaborate closely with HR leadership, HR Business Partners, Centers of Excellence, and Legal to assess current service scopes, identify gaps, and prioritize process optimization and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Identify talent gaps and implement strategies to build a robust talent pipeline through targeted job assignments, coaching, and training programs.
• Drive global payroll transformation initiatives and act as the subject matter expert for payroll-related aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and special projects.
• Oversee all global payroll external vendors, manage contracts, and lead service management efforts focused on continuous process improvement.
• Define, monitor, and report on key metrics and KPIs to ensure team accountability, performance, and consistent achievement of service levels.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing by implementing and maintaining best-in-class practices.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls around payroll processes; serve as the functional subject matter expert and gatekeeper for all payroll system enhancements, regulatory updates, and routine maintenance activities.
• Ensure full compliance with local, state, federal, and international tax regulations as well as company policies.
• Serve as the Global Process Owner for all payroll processes related to Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance.
• Develop, update, and maintain comprehensive payroll policies and procedures to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Champion and advance the vision and strategic direction for global payroll operations.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 8 years of relevant experience, including 3-5 years leading a multi-country payroll function.
• Deep expertise in global payroll process transformation, harmonization, and standardization.
• Proven experience in leading global payroll operations and developing effective payroll strategies.
• Proficient in working with a variety of payroll systems and technologies.
• Experience managing both in-house and outsourced payroll models.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage departmental budgets effectively.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes related to expatriates, including tax implications and compliance.
• Ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior management without direct reporting authority.
• Excellent leadership skills with a track record of successfully leading multi-functional projects and initiatives within large, complex organizations.
• Proven operational leadership with the ability to drive team engagement, empowerment, and high performance.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of influencing and engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with global time and attendance systems is a plus.
• Payroll-specific certifications are highly desirable.