About the role Morningstar is looking for a Senior Payroll Manager, EMEA to join our EMEA Finance team, which is dedicated to business partnership, innovation, automation, and process improvement. As the Senior Payroll Manager, EMEA, you will be responsible for the development and execution of Morningstar’s EMEA payroll vision and strategy, while ensuring operational excellence within the team and daily processes. You will build and maintain the proper service levels and governance structures between the payroll function and other key stakeholder groups such as People & Culture (P&C), Legal, Tax, FP&A, and Accounting. This role will provide value to the business by supporting and executing key process optimization opportunities and larger-scale transformational programs. This full-time position reports to Morningstar’s International Controller and is based in our London office. We operate in a hybrid environment, with in-office presence expected four days per week. Key Responsibilities Serve as the leader for payroll operations and strategic initiatives for the EMEA region, covering 18 markets (including UK, Netherlands, Romania, Spain and Germany as key locations) Lead and manage a cross-regional EMEA Payroll Team, including management of key vendor relationships across the region. Optimize the organizational structure of the EMEA payroll team to support the current and future needs of the business, ensuring training, mentoring, and career development. Evolve the existing payroll strategy and manage the transformational roadmap considering governance, policies, procedures, technologies, and change management requirements. Oversee end-to-end EMEA payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing, whilst establishing an effective working relationship with our HR (P&C) Operations team Establish and monitor SLAs and performance metrics with vendors, regional controllers, People & Culture, and shared service teams. Ensure appropriate internal controls for a publicly traded company. Stay current with payroll industry best practices to inform strategic direction and enhancements. Collaborate with upstream and downstream functions on transformation initiatives to improve effectiveness and efficiency. Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on payroll-related matters. Apply strong business acumen and financial judgment to prioritize payroll projects and improvements. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and a payroll qualification preferred (e.g. Certified Payroll Accountant or equivalent). Minimum of 10+ years of progressive payroll experience in a multinational organization. Proven leadership in payroll operations and implementation. Experience setting up or managing an EMEA payroll aggregator and shared service function Strong functional knowledge of end-to-end EMEA payroll processes. Expert knowledge of EMEA payroll required. Advanced knowledge of Workday (HRIS), UKG, or similar platforms is an asset. Ability to manage the complexities of an EMEA payroll function and influence across teams. Strong leadership and people management skills. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex information clearly. Skilled in gathering business requirements, evaluating design options, coordinating testing, and driving implementation. Experience integrating payroll processes post-acquisition is an asset. Specific experience managing payroll operations for the UK, Netherlands, Romania, Spain and Germany would be a significant advantage. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word). Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues. 301_MstarEurLtd Morningstar Europe Ltd (UK) Legal Entity How to Apply for a Job at Morningstar Step 1 When you find a position you're interested in, click the 'Apply' button. Please fill out this form completely, attaching your resume and cover letter in the approved format. Read the job requirements carefully and make sure to attach writing or design samples as required. Applicants must submit their resume and other information through our corporate website to be considered for a job at Morningstar. No phone calls, please. Step 2 You will receive an email notification to confirm that we've received your application. Step 3 If you are called in for an interview, a representative from Morningstar will contact you to set up a date, time, and location. Be prepared for a rigorous interview process. To make sure you're a good fit for Morningstar and we're a good fit for you, we'll schedule time for you to meet with multiple staff members at all levels of the company. Expect to return for multiple interviews as part of the process. A representative from Morningstar will contact you with the results of your interview—either with a job offer or to let you know our plans for the position. Applicants With Disabilities Who Need Accommodation Morningstar is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call +1 312 384-3900 or email AskHR@morningstar.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note: We only accept calls from applicants who need accommodation related to a disability. Please, no calls with unrelated questions or requests. Please be sure to include the title and location of the open position you’re interested in when you leave a message. US Applicants: Morningstar is an E-Verify program participant. Learn more: This Organization Participates in E-Verify (English) This Organization Participates in E-Verify (Spanish) Right to Work (English) Right to Work (Spanish) EEO is the Law Pay Transparency Notice Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. 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