Payroll Team Leader

Role overview

GHD is seeking an accomplished Payroll Team Leader to manage a team of Payroll Officers and ensure payroll is delivered accurately, on time, and in line with compliance requirements across Australia. Reporting to the Australia Payroll Manager and working alongside Payroll Analysts, this position plays a key part in day-to-day payroll operations, legislative adherence, and ongoing process and capability improvements.

This opportunity suits a hands-on payroll leader who enjoys working in a fast-moving environment that is undergoing change, and who is motivated by creating a positive payroll experience for employees.

What you will do

• Guide, support, and develop a team of Payroll Officers so payroll processing remains efficient and precise.
• Manage payroll end-to-end, ensuring calculations align with company policies, applicable laws, tax requirements, superannuation obligations, and reporting rules.
• Serve as the main escalation contact for complex payroll matters, employee questions, and issues involving HR, Finance, and other business teams.
• Track workloads, set priorities, and keep tasks on schedule to consistently meet payroll deadlines and service levels.
• Advise the Australia Payroll Manager by flagging risks, control weaknesses, and opportunities to improve.
• Work with the Payroll Manager to introduce scalable improvements such as automation, system upgrades, and reconciliation tools.
• Coach, develop, and empower team members to build capability and confidence.
• Keep payroll procedures, standard operating procedures, and controls current and ready for audit, supporting both internal and external audit needs.
• Collaborate with global payroll colleagues to exchange effective practices and contribute to enterprise payroll initiatives.
• Assist with change activities tied to payroll transformation and process redesign.

What you will bring

• At least 7 years of payroll experience, including 2 or more years in a supervisory or team lead position.
• Strong working knowledge of Australian payroll laws, Awards, PAYG, superannuation, payroll tax, and Single Touch Payroll compliance.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with experience coaching and motivating a distributed team.
• Background handling high-volume payroll operations and resolving complex employee and payroll queries.
• Excellent attention to detail, with strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Experience using SAP or ADP GlobalView payroll platforms.
• Exposure to payroll transformation or process improvement work is an advantage.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence trust across HR, Finance, and business leaders.
• Understanding of internal controls, governance, and audit requirements.
• Resilience, flexibility, and a mindset focused on continuous improvement.

Why join GHD

You will join a global payroll team that values collaboration, integrity, and innovation. The role offers the chance to help shape payroll in Australia by supporting stabilisation, transformation, and a strong team culture while working with professionals across the world.

GHD also offers hybrid working arrangements, supporting wellbeing, flexibility, productivity, and a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration.

Additional information

This role may be based in any GHD office across Australia. Applications are requested by Thursday 30th July. GHD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of all identities. The company asks that agency resumes not be submitted at this stage.

Inclusion and flexibility

GHD promotes an inclusive workplace and encourages a diverse range of applicants. The organisation supports hybrid work to help employees thrive while balancing remote flexibility with face-to-face teamwork.