Global Payroll & Benefits Specialist (FTC - 4-5 days per...

About Pole Star:
As the leader in maritime intelligence, Pole Star empowers better decision-making and protects clients’ business interests, assets, seafarers, vessels, cargo, infrastructure, investments, profitability, and reputation - through provision of high-performance, cyber-secure solutions underpinned by immense service and constant technological innovation. We have offices in London, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong and Panama, alongside presence in Australia. Teams are made up of over 19 nationalities, speaking 25 different languages.

The Opportunity:
This role is an initial 6 month fixed term contract for 4-5 days per week, depending on candidate preference.

We are seeking a highly skilled Global Payroll and Benefits specialist to oversee and manage our end-to-end payroll and benefits operations across multiple regions. This role will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely processing of both direct employee and Employer of Record (EOR) payrolls, while optimizing global payroll systems and benefits administration.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and collaborative professional with deep expertise in international payroll management, vendor coordination, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities:

Global Payroll Management

• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations across all regions (Americas, EMEA, APAC, etc.) for both direct employees and EOR workers.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing in accordance with local labor laws, tax regulations, and company policies
• Partner with regional finance, HR, and People Operations teams to ensure data integrity and alignment of payroll inputs and outputs.
• Manage relationships with EOR partners, external payroll vendors, and local statutory bodies.
• Lead payroll audits and compliance reviews; identify and mitigate risks.
• Develop and maintain global payroll calendars, policies, and process documentation.

Benefits Administration

• Oversee design, implementation, and administration of global benefits programs (healthcare, retirement, insurance, leave policies, etc.).
• Collaborate with regional HR and benefits brokers to ensure competitiveness, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to communicate benefits information and support employee understanding and engagement.
• Evaluate and implement global benefits strategy to ensure consistency and equity across regions.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Manage and optimize global payroll and benefits systems, ensuring integration with HRIS and finance systems.
• Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance automation, accuracy, and scalability.
• Lead system implementations, upgrades, and vendor transitions as needed.
• Establish and track payroll and benefits KPIs and provide regular reporting to leadership.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to regional employment, tax, and benefits legislation.
• Stay informed about evolving payroll and benefits regulations globally.
• Maintain data privacy and security standards in line with GDPR and other global requirements.

Required Skills:

• 7+ years of experience managing multi-country payroll and benefits, including EOR and direct employment models.
• Proven experience with global payroll platforms (e.g., ADP GlobalView, Papaya Global, Deel, Remote.com , Workday, or similar).
• Strong understanding of international employment law, tax compliance, and benefits administration.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities across multiple time zones and cultures.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, global, and dynamic environment.

Education/Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field; professional certification (CPP, CIPD, or equivalent) preferred.

Employee Benefits:

• Hybrid/Flexible working
• Flexible Benefits Package Including:
  • Private healthcare. Dental, Optical
  • Salary sacrifice schemes
  • Gym and wellness programs
  • Childcare
  • Income protection, critical illness etc…
  • Prepaid Card for those little extra gifts (up to £200 per year) for special moments

• Life insurance, company funded to 3x salaryDiscretionary Bonus
• Employee assistance program
• 25 days annual leave
• 5 wellness days
• Up to a 5% matching pension
• Refer-a-friend recruitment bonus
• Unlimited learning and development opportunities