Payroll DS Manager

Johnson & Johnson seeks a Payroll DS Manager in Zug, CH, to oversee end-to-end payroll delivery, compliance, and team leadership for a defined group of countries.

This position is responsible for the complete delivery of accurate and compliant payroll services across a specific group of countries. The role acts as the central point of contact for operations, projects, and audits within the region.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full payroll lifecycle for assigned countries, guaranteeing timely and precise processing that aligns with internal policies and local laws.
• Manage payroll controls, approvals for off-cycle payments, reconciliations, accounting entries, and statutory remittances.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, records, and payroll calendars to ensure readiness for audits.
• Provide support during internal, external, and regulatory audit processes.
• Develop trusted relationships with senior stakeholders in HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, Compliance, IT, Procurement, and Employee Relations.
• Act as the main escalation point for complex payroll issues, ensuring solutions meet service commitments.
• Monitor third-party payroll vendor performance against SLAs, operational metrics, and contract terms.
• Align stakeholder expectations, resolve conflicts, and balance operational demands with business needs.
• Lead a matrixed team of payroll supervisors and individual contributors.
• Handle hiring, performance management, coaching, career development, succession planning, and resource allocation.
• Drive payroll-related business, statutory, or compliance projects to completion within scope, timeline, and budget.
• Stabilize current processes while promoting continuous improvement, simplification, automation, and standardization.

Requirements

• At least seven years of experience in Payroll, HR, or Finance operations.
• Minimum of three years in a management or people leadership role.
• Proven track record managing multi-country payroll operations.
• Experience overseeing payroll controls, compliance, audits, and statutory requirements.
• Ability to lead teams through change in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, including presentation and facilitation abilities for diverse audiences.
• Adaptability to navigate ambiguity and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with knowledge management systems and proficiency in compliance requirements such as SOX and business controls.
• Certifications in Payroll, Project Management, Analytics, Lean Six Sigma, or Design Thinking.

About the company

Johnson & Johnson is committed to its global workforce, fostering an inclusive environment that respects the diversity and dignity of every employee. The company recognizes individual merit and promotes a positive culture grounded in accountability, continuous learning, and a strong customer focus.

• Responsibility to employees working worldwide.
• Inclusive environment where each person is valued as an individual.
• Respect for diversity and dignity, with recognition of merit.
• Promotion of teamwork and professional development.
• High-performing culture focused on accountability and learning.