Global Payroll Director

Celestica is looking for a Global Payroll Operations leader to spearhead our global payroll function and HRIS infrastructure. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for the operational accuracy, compliance, and technology stack powering Celestica’s global payroll and HR information systems. You will manage the day‑to‑day execution of payroll for 30,000+ employees, lead vendor relationships, and ensure our HR data systems talk to each other efficiently.

As the strategic owner of our HR technology and global payroll governance, you will bridge the gap between HR, IT, and Finance. Your goal is to drive absolute operational excellence, optimize vendor partnerships, and pioneer AI‑driven process improvements that eliminate manual friction.

Detailed Description

Provides overall leadership, expertise and advanced analytical guidance to the Vice‑President, Global Rewards. Core responsibilities include:

• Architect the Future: Design and execute a unified, forward‑looking global payroll and HRIS strategy that matches Celestica's rapid business priorities.
• Strategy: Develop and execute a global payroll and HRIS strategy aligned with Celestica’s business priorities.
• Daily Operations: Oversee the end‑to‑end execution of global payroll runs, ensuring zero downtime and 100% accuracy across all international entities.
• System Ownership: Act as the business owner for our HR technology roadmap. Directly manage the integration, troubleshooting, and optimization of ADP Globalview and SuccessFactors Employee Central .
• Process Automation: Identify bottlenecks, manual workarounds, and data errors, and implement practical process fixes (including automation and improved workforce reporting).
• Compliance & Audit: Own payroll governance, including global SOX controls, tax compliance, labor law adherence, and year‑end audits.
• Vendor Management: Hold external payroll providers and software vendors accountable to their SLAs, manage contracts, and negotiate renewals.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a global team of direct and indirect reports, establishing clear KPIs for performance and service delivery. Ability to coach and develop a high‑performing payroll team.
• Influencer: Exceptional analytical and change‑management skills, with a proven ability to align priorities across Finance, IT, and HR executives.
• Analytical Skill: Excellent analytical skills with strong cross‑functional leadership, communication, and change management skills.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Skills: 10+ years managing global teams. Must be able to sit down with Finance, IT, and Tax teams to reconcile the General Ledger (GL) and fix data flow issues.

Software Proficiency

• Must‑Have: Direct experience managing ADP Globalview .
• Highly Preferred: Practical knowledge of SuccessFactors Employee Central and standard Workforce Management/timekeeping systems.

Physical Demands

• Duties of this position are generally performed in good working conditions.
• Occasional exposure to elements such as noise, dust, chemicals, operating machinery, temperature extremes, etc.
• Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data.
• Repetitive manual movements (e.g., data entry, using a computer mouse, using a calculator, etc.) are frequently required.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Typical Experience

• 12+ years in global payroll/tax, with at least 7 years leading payroll operations in a high‑volume, multinational corporate environment.
• 7+ years of hands‑on experience managing HRIS systems and leading large‑scale software implementations or upgrades.

Typical Education

• Education & Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or HR.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a strong asset.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.

Celestica is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

At Celestica we are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. Special arrangements can be made for candidates who need it throughout the hiring process. Please indicate your needs and we will work with you to meet them.