Payroll and People Data Manager

The Role

The British Council is looking for a Payroll and People Data Manager to lead global, multi-country payroll and people data operations as part of our People function transformation journey.

In this role, you will work closely with global payroll vendors and internal teams to deliver accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll services across regions. You will lead payroll and HR operations teams, oversee payroll processing and tax support, and drive the standardisation, governance, and continuous improvement of payroll processes and systems. A strong focus will be on payroll transformation, vendor performance, and the effective use of HR and payroll platforms such as MyHR, ensuring seamless integration with internal and external partners.

You will be part of the People Solutions team, based in a regional Hub, and will collaborate with regional operations leads, People Services Consultants, Finance, shared services, and external providers. Reporting to the Head of Global HR-Ops & Payroll, this role plays a key part in strengthening operational capability, improving service quality, and enabling a consistent and high-quality employee experience across the organisation.

Accountabilities

The Payroll and People Data Manager plays a key role in shaping and delivering People Services and Payroll strategy across multiple countries. The role leads payroll transition and transformation initiatives, oversees end-to-end monthly payroll delivery, and establishes clear ownership across internal teams and managed service providers. A strong focus is placed on global standardisation, compliance, governance, and the effective use of systems and tools to support scalable and reliable payroll operations.

Working closely with the Head of Global HR-Ops & Payroll and senior stakeholders, the role provides leadership to regional payroll operations teams, building capability, accountability, and a continuous improvement culture. The post holder manages relationships with external service providers, ensures data quality and information security, and acts as a point of escalation for payroll incidents. Using data and analytics, the role drives service improvement, oversees statutory and operational reporting, and ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll and HR reporting across regions, while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism.

Role specific skills

• Payroll Transformation & Project Management: Experience delivering or supporting payroll transformation initiatives
• Data Literacy (Developing): Uses data and insights to inform decisions and improve payroll and people processes
• Business Acumen (NoviceDeveloping): Understands customer and stakeholder needs and applies user-centric approaches
• Digital Agility (NoviceDeveloping): Supports digital adoption and readiness for new systems and tools
• People Advocacy (Developing): Applies ethical standards, manages people risks, and ensures compliance
• Execution Excellence (NoviceDeveloping): Delivers results through practical, adaptable, and action-oriented planning

Role specific knowledge and experience

Minimum/essential

• Strong experience in payroll operations, payroll servicing, and payroll-related tax and statutory requirements
• Exposure to multi-country payroll environments (preferred)
• Experience with payroll transformation and/or outsourcing
• Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems
• Strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and organisational skills
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Desirable

• Experience with SAP SuccessFactors
• Background in HR Operations or shared service environments

Language Requirement

The British Council's systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required for this role.

Important Information

Department: People Function

Contract type: Indefinite Contract (permanent role)

Pay band: Grade 7

Location: Noida, India

Salary: Minimum annual CTC of 12 LPA, with flexibility for the right candidate. Additional benefits apply as per policy.

Applicants must already have the legal right to work in India. Visa sponsorship or relocation support is not available. Flexible and hybrid working is supported, subject to operational requirements and line manager approval.

Closing Date

Applications will close by Sunday, 01 February 2026 (11:59 PM local time)

Interviews are expected to take place in the following weeks.