Payroll Lead

ISS Facility Services India Pvt Ltd is a part of ISS A/S, a leading global facility services company headquartered in Denmark. Established in India in 2005, ISS India provides integrated facilities management solutions across diverse sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, banking and more.

Our comprehensive service offerings include cleaning, technical maintenance, security, catering, support services and workplace management, all designed to create safe, efficient, and engaging work environments.

With a strong focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and people-centric solutions, ISS India leverages its global expertise and local insights to help clients enhance productivity and maintain business continuity. Know more about ISS on http://www.in.issworld.com/.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a seasoned Payroll Head to lead and manage end-to-end payroll operations for our large-scale blue-collar and white-collar workforce across multiple entities and payroll systems. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring accuracy, compliance and timeliness of payroll processing for over 40,000 employees, while driving automation, efficiency and standardization across payroll processes.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead payroll operations for 40,000+ employees across multiple states and entities, ensuring 100% accuracy and timeliness.

- Manage multi-payroll platforms, integrations with HRMS, time & attendance, and statutory compliance systems.

- Oversee compliance with all statutory laws related to payroll (PF, ESI, PT, LWF, Gratuity, Bonus, Minimum Wages, Shops & Establishment Acts, etc.).

- Partner with Finance, HRBP, Operations, and external vendors to ensure smooth payroll delivery.

- Drive automation and process improvement initiatives to enhance accuracy, speed, and employee experience.

- Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and coordinate with internal/external auditors.

- Manage payroll query resolution framework to support employees across locations.

- Ensure adherence to SLAs, internal controls, and data security protocols.

- Lead and mentor a team of payroll professionals and external partners.

- Provide strategic inputs on payroll budgets, cost optimization, and workforce planning impacts.

- Handle complex payroll scenarios including multiple shifts, contract workforce, variable pay structures, arrears, settlements, and bulk hiring.

Desired Skills & Competencies:

- Strong knowledge of payroll processes, labour laws, taxation, and statutory compliance.

- Proven expertise in managing large scale payroll operations.

- Strong analytical and problem solving skills with ability to handle complex reconciliations.

- Process orientation with eye for detail, accuracy, and timeliness.

- Stakeholder management skills – ability to work with cross-functional teams & external vendors.

- Leadership skills with proven ability to manage large teams and vendor relationships.

- High integrity, confidentiality, and strong commitment to employee experience.

Desired Qualification & Experience:

- MBA/PGDM in HR/Finance or equivalent professional degree.

- 12+ years of experience in payroll management, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.

- Experience in Facility Management, Security Services, Staffing or other manpower intensive industries is highly preferred.