Global Payroll Operations Partner (m/f/d)

Allow us to introduce ourselves

Hello there! We’re Appinio, a global market research company that combines an AI-powered insights platform with expert consultancy. On a mission to make the world a little more fact-based, we help companies understand how consumers think and make smarter decisions.

We started out in Hamburg back in 2014, but we’re now humbled to call the world our playground, with over 260 employees spread across 13 countries (we’re remote-first), 2600+ international clients, delivering research from +190 markets, globally.

Want to be a part of the Appinio movement?

Here at Appinio, we value transparency in our recruitment process, and we've created a blog to share what to expect during each step of our journey together: here

Your mission as a Global Payroll Operations Partner

We are looking for a tech-savvy, and proactive Global Payroll Operations Partner (m/f/d) to join our People Team and ensure our global workforce is supported by a world-class payroll engine.

As our Global Payroll Operations Partner, you'll turn the end-to-end (preparatory) payroll process across our international entities - adhering to local regulations and deadlines - into a seamless, "prime" experience for every Appinio team member. You'll build smarter, more scalable processes and systems to support continued successful growth.

A few words about the team

Our People Team operates with a product mindset. We value transparency, collaboration, and true partnership with our stakeholders. Rather than ticking off task lists, we focus on understanding customer needs, driving adoption, and delivering meaningful outcomes. We are trusted partners to the business, advocates for our employees, and pragmatic, business-savvy solution builders - always aiming to improve how people experience Appinio.

What you’ll be doing

• Global payroll ownership: Drive the preparatory payroll process for all international entities (Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Portugal, UK, and Netherlands), ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery
• External partner management: Serve as the lead point of contact for external payroll providers, our EOR (Remote), and our PEO in the US, overseeing all payroll-related compliance and resolving statutory queries with precision
• Employee support & service: Act as the primary contact for payroll-related tickets, resolving employee inquiries with empathy, speed, and a high level of expertise
• Systems optimization & automation: Proactively identify inefficiencies to automate payroll workflows, reducing manual steps and enhancing the scalability of our global operations
• Sales & performance incentives: Partner closely with RevOps to ensure the accurate and timely calculation of commission structures and bonus payments
• Collaboration with Finance: Support the Finance team with staff cost reporting, audits, and data-driven workforce planning
• Grant & subsidy support: Partner with Finance and Legal to support applications for international grants and subsidies (e.g., R&D tax credits or local employment grants) by providing accurate personnel data, salary documentation, and compliance reporting

You will thrive in this role if

• You are a payroll expert: You bring 3+ years of experience managing (preparatory) payroll for Germany
• You bring experience with managing (preparatory) payroll in France, and/or Spain, with a deep understanding of statutory requirements (experience with AT, UK, NL, US or PT is a plus)
• You have proven experience managing external payroll providers to ensure compliance (experience with managing EOR and PEO is a plus)
• You are a process optimizer: You have a "product mindset" and a track record of identifying manual inefficiencies and implementing automated workflows between HRIS and Payroll systems
• You are data-driven: You possess a strong analytical mindset and are proficient in Excel/Google Sheets for complex data handling
• You are an empathetic communicator: You have the ability to explain complex tax and payroll issues to employees with patience, clarity, and a service-oriented mindset
• You live ownership: You thrive in fast-paced, scaling environments and take full responsibility for ensuring payroll remains transparent, compliant, and audit-ready
• You are professionally fluent in both English and German (written and verbal)

What’s in it for you?

• Flexibility Policy - Our flexibility policy means there is no hard cap on the number of vacation days you can take
• Temporary work from abroad - If you're based in the EU, you can work outside your country of residence for up to 180 days per year
• All the hardware you need and your own MacBook
• If you are located in Hamburg or Berlin, you'll get a Deutschland ticket or access to a mobility budget with the NAVIT app to get you to and from the office space
• Subsidised Urban Sports Club or ClassPass membership based on location
• In case you’re located in one of the cities where most of our fellow Appinioneers are (Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, London, Madrid, Barcelona, or New York), you can get access to our Co-working spaces

Additional role details

• This role will report directly to our Team Lead Talent Acquisition & People Operations

Our interview process

• Screening Call with a Talent Acquisition Partner
• Interview with our Team Lead Talent Acquisition & People Operations
• Case Study Interview with Senior members of the People Team
• Reference Calls
• Executive Interview with our CFO
• Offer

Kind reminder: Please ensure that your application is submitted in English.

This post not only outlines our ideal candidate but also serves as an inspiration for what this role can evolve into. Even if you consider yourself an 80% fit but have a genuine passion for this position, we encourage you to apply. We're eager to hear from individuals who share our enthusiasm.

Appinio is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Please read our privacy policy here.