Local Payroll Operations Team Lead - French Speaker (F/M/X)

Solvay is all about chemistry. We're not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet's beauty for the generations to come.

About the role

Our Payroll Operations & Service Delivery team, composed of 58 people, is integrated in the Human Resources Service Line and focuses on Payroll Activities in collaboration with local HR teams, Finance, external payroll providers, and Solvay's Global Business Services (GBS) organization.

As a Payroll Operations Team Lead you will be responsible for leading and developing a Portugal-based payroll team supporting payroll operations for Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, while ensuring an accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of payroll services and fostering a high-performing and customer-focused team culture.

In addition to day-to-day payroll leadership, the Payroll Operations Team Lead is responsible for optimizing processes, improving operational efficiency, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and supporting payroll transformation initiatives. The role plays a critical part in building team capability, enhancing knowledge sharing, and ensuring business continuity across the countries within scope. You will be accountable for:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Payroll Specialists in Portugal supporting Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery across all countries within scope, maintaining payroll controls, regulatory compliance, and audit standards.
• Manage team performance and operational effectiveness through workload prioritization, resource allocation, training, feedback, performance management, and cross-training initiatives.
• Act as the primary escalation point for payroll operational issues, driving timely resolution and ensuring business continuity.
• Build strong partnerships with HR, Finance, external providers, and GBS stakeholders, while supporting payroll transformation, process harmonization, and operational excellence initiatives.

We offer a permanent contract based on hybrid working mode.

About you

Relevant education degree or equivalent in Human Resources or Administration. Relevant work experience in Global Payroll or Multi-Country Payroll Knowledge.

Competencies:

• English and French Fluency are mandatory
• Payroll Operations Management
• Team Leadership and People Development
• Experience in a Global/GBS Environment

Behaviors:

• Coaching and Mentoring
• Stakeholder Management
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Communication and Influencing Skills

About the pay

Attractive and equitable pay for all: compensation is determined within a range to foster your development in the role. The base pay expected for this role is € 36800 - € 46000 per year in Portugal.

Your salary may ultimately be higher or lower based on your skills and experience. Additionally, we provide a competitive total rewards package that includes a bonus and/or other incentives.

Benefits:

• Solvay Cares program: minimum of 16 weeks of parenting leave for all employees and package with healthcare, disability and life insurance coverage.
• Prioritization of well-being: work-life balance promotion, flexible approach to work part-time or hybrid work arrangements (depending on the type of job), employee assistance program with access to physical and psychological support.
• Professional development: prioritization of internal talents for career progression, access to a training platform, opportunities to join Employee Resource Groups (ERG) for experience sharing and mentorship and free language courses.

About us

Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world's most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes.

We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

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