Director Total Rewards and Payroll EMEA (m/f/d)

At Clarios, we are producing the world’s best batteries, essential for the evolving future of transportation. Our advanced, low-voltage batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. Join our team and be part of the success story of VARTA®!

Our dedicated HR team consists of fantastic teams of experts actively shaping the development of Clarios: Whether HR Management, Talent Management, Talent Development, Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding, Total Rewards, Payroll, or Communications – all teams work hand in hand aiming to win together by supporting our employees’ and managers’ success. Ready to direct your talent and energy toward our strategy to create wins for our customers every day whilst bringing your own ideas to life? Then take on the challenge and become part of our HR team!

Your contribution: What you will do

As the Director Total Rewards and Payroll EMEA (m/f/d) you will act as a key member of the EMEA HR leadership team and play a critical role in supporting an ambitious HR agenda as well as lead the development and implementation of a regional Total Rewards strategy and roadmap that encompasses compensation, benefits and program change and communications. You will be responsible for overseeing and managing the payroll operations across multiple countries within the European region, ensuring compliance with European payroll regulations, tax laws, and employment practices. The Director Total Rewards and Payroll EMEA (m/f/d) will provide leadership and strategic direction to the payroll team, while also shaping the Total Rewards strategy for the region. In this position you will directly report to the global VP Total Rewards, HR Technology and Payroll, while maintaining a strong dotted line relationship with the VP HR EMEA.

The position will be based in our Clarios EMEA headquarters office in Hannover, Germany.

Your responsibilities: How you will do it

As a Director Total Rewards and Payroll EMEA (m/f/d) you will use your experience in leadership and high-level strategic planning to

• develop and implement a regional total rewards strategy that spans compensation, insured benefits, benefits/allowances in kind (company car/mobility programs), tax optimization and recognition programs.
• act as local point of contact and advocate for internationally mobile employees hosted in EMEA, taking full accountability for locally required payroll and taxation activities
• conduct market research and analysis to ensure competitive and industry-aligned total rewards offerings
• lead and supervise the EMEA payroll team to deliver accurate and timely payroll across 24 countries in the European region
• ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll, including salary payments, bonuses, benefits, and deductions.
• stay updated on changes in payroll regulations and tax laws within the European region and ensure compliance.
• drive an employee centric payroll experience through feedback and continuous process improvement
• collaborate with HR and business leaders to address challenges and pain points related to compensation, benefits, and payroll processes and programs.
• lead or contribute to global Total Rewards or payroll projects, providing process leadership and representing the interests of the EMEA region
• establish and track service level KPIs for areas of responsibility.
• manage third-party service providers and related budgets. Conduct cost/benefit analyses to maximize value for investment.
• foster a high performing team through engagement, coaching, effective feedback, and development.
• demonstrate Clarios values through principled and ethical behavior, challenging the status quo to constantly improve service and employee experience to achieve overall success for Clarios.

Your knowledge, skills, and abilities: What we look for

• University degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field
• Proven track record in leading payroll and total rewards functions and demonstrated experience within a German entity, preferably within a multinational organization. Experience with the broader European region as well as experience in leading HR systems is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead the development of sub functional strategies that support broader HR or business strategy.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong knowledge of European payroll regulations, tax laws, and employment practices.
• Proficiency in payroll software and systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with ability to translate complex topics for diverse audiences
• A collaborative, open-minded approach to partnership and problem-solving.
• Experience managing large scale program or system implementation.
• Ability to translate organizational challenges into effective programs that enhance employee attraction and retention.
• High emotional intelligence and relationship-building abilities
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing and retaining key talent.
• Possess a customer service mindset and sense of urgency.
• Fluency in both German and English.

Your benefits: What we offer you

As a technology leader with strong brands (i.e. VARTA® and OPTIMA®), Clarios notably lives on the creativity, capability and satisfaction of its employees. Therefore, we offer people with drive and power many good reasons to join us:

• Exciting professional tasks and challenges in a diverse international future-oriented environment with strong commitment to integrity, values, social engagement, and sustainability.
• Arrange your working hours and breaks flexible via our flexible working hours model and combine your professional and private life even better according to our above average number of vacation days, mobile work policy and company kindergarten.
• A competitive remuneration package, including additional payments as well as company pension scheme.
• Your well-being is very important to us: Take advantage of our preventive health care offers such as fitness center, physiotherapist, modern office environment, healthy canteen, team and company events or hobby clubs.
• Stay fit whilst at the same time positively contributing to our environment: Lease your company bike.
• Our well-advanced onboarding process and buddy program supports you to quickly grow into the position and team. By using the offering in our Learning Academy, LinkedIn Learning and EMEA Mentoring Program you will be able to further grow professionally and personally.
• Last, but not least we support you in relocating and finding an apartment in your work location, if applicable and depending on individual factors.

You want to learn more about the position and our EMEA region? Check out our regional page and get in touch with our recruiting team.

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About Clarios:

Clarios is the global leader in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies for mobility. Our batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. With around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, we bring deep expertise to our Aftermarket and OEM partners, and reliability, safety and comfort to everyday lives. We answer to the planet with a rigorous sustainability focus – advancing best-in-class sustainability practices and advocating for them across our industry. We work to ensure 100% of our products sold are recyclable, and we recycle 8,000 batteries an hour in our network. You can find more information here (PDF).

To all recruitment agencies: Clarios does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Clarios employees or any other company location. Clarios is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.

Clarios, LLC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law, EEO is the Law (supplement), and Pay Transparency Non-discrimination. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please email Special.Accommodations@Clarios.com.

A Note to Job Applicants: please be aware of scams being perpetrated through the Internet and social media platforms. Clarios will never require a job applicant to pay money as part of the application or hiring process.