Manager GBS H2R & Payroll (m/f/d)

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

adidas Global Business Services delivers high‑quality services across Finance and HR functions for adidas companies in Europe and the Americas. Within HR Services, the Payroll & Compliance function ensures accurate employee compensation, operational excellence, and strict adherence to legal requirements.

The Manager Payroll & Compliance Switzerland operates as a strategic individual contributor for Swiss payroll operations and compliance. This role ensures flawless execution of end‑to‑end payroll, strong governance, and full compliance with Swiss tax, labour, and social security rules.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute, oversee, and validate monthly end‑to‑end Swiss payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all legislative requirements (tax, social security, labour law).
• Ensure flawless compliance with salary taxability rules, implementing robust internal controls and timely corrective actions in alignment with audit expectations.
• Drive the transition to In‑House Payroll, including process design, implementation of controls, and vendor offboarding where applicable.
• Provide expert guidance on complex payroll scenarios involving senior leadership populations, expatriates, mobility cases, and shadow payroll requirements.
• Conduct root‑cause analysis for payroll issues, propose improvement plans, and coordinate with Tech, Legal, Finance, Tax, Rewards, and Mobility to implement sustainable solutions.
• Maintain and update payroll process documentation, SOPs, and internal control frameworks to ensure audit readiness and compliance.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, responding to inquiries, and ensuring alignment with global and local standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with HR Partners, Rewards, Mobility, Finance, Tax, Legal, and external authorities and vendors.
• Ensure governance, confidentiality, and data security of all payroll‑related information.
• Prepare payroll and statutory reports for internal stakeholders and Swiss authorities.
• Contribute to operational excellence and harmonization initiatives across GBS H2R Payroll.
• Support testing and implementation of payroll tools and processes related to the Hire to Retire Strategy.
• Act as a role model in compliance with Swiss legislation, adidas Fair Play Code of Conduct, and all corporate policies.

Key Relationships

• GBS H2R & Payroll EU leadership
• HR Partners
• HR Experts: Rewards, Mobility, Talent
• Finance and Tax departments
• Legal department
• External authorities and consultants
• Payroll vendors (where applicable)
• Senior corporate population & Swiss leadership stakeholders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Swiss payroll, taxation, labour law, and social security legislation.
• Deep understanding of international mobility, expatriate taxation, and shadow payroll processes.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Experience with process governance, internal controls, and audit preparation.
• Affinity with HR and payroll systems; SAP HR/EC experience preferred.
• Strong customer focus with ability to manage senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and manage high‑complexity tasks.
• High resilience and adaptability in a multi‑country, changing environment
• Excellent communication skills in English. (German highly valued)

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, HR, Finance, or similar field.
• Several years of experience in Swiss payroll operations, including handling complex cases and mobility scenarios.
• Proven expertise in managing transitions between outsourced and in‑house payroll models
• Strong experience interacting with payroll vendors and/or authorities.
• Strong understanding of audits, compliance frameworks, and payroll governance.
• Proficiency with MS Office and HR systems.