About this role
Purpose Statement: Global Business Services (GBS) powers adidas with operational excellence, by delivering services from hubs-to-markets, strengthening partnerships and accelerating automation. GBS Commitment is to create value and drive adidas' success. Ensure the accurate and timely execution of core operational activities within the GBS Center, in compliance with GBS policies, procedures, and guidelines. Demonstrate ownership and accountability for the effective delivery of activities within the assigned service area, working independently with minimal supervision. Support organizational effectiveness by identifying, driving, and communicating process improvement opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, service quality, and compliance.
The position supports the delivery of payroll services by performing payroll administration and employee compensation-related operational activities accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with company policies, payroll regulations, and established procedures. Contribute to a positive employee experience through timely payroll processing, accurate data maintenance, and responsive employee support. Process Operation
- Act as the payroll operations SME, providing guidance on processes, policies, systems, controls, and statutory requirements.
- Lead complex payroll administration across Time Management, Compensation, Supplemental Benefits, payroll corrections, and exception handling.
- Review payroll calculations, reconciliations, outputs, and control reports to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
- Act as the escalation point for complex inquiries, discrepancies, and operational issues.
- Monitor service performance and risks and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain payroll documentation and controls and support audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory reporting. Process improvement, Automation and AI
- Lead process improvement initiatives using root-cause analysis, standardization, and controls to deliver measurable benefits.
- Lead automation and AI transformation initiatives, driving process optimization, standardization, and continuous improvement across the service area. Project Management: Lead cross-functional projects and transformation initiatives, coordinating stakeholders and delivering measurable business value. Key Relationship
- Payroll Team, Team Leads, and HR Services Teams
- HR Business Partners, HR Operations, and Compensation & Benefits Teams
- Line Managers and Employees
- Payroll Service Providers and
Benefits Vendors
- Government and Regulatory Authorities, where applicable Operation knowledge
- Expert knowledge of payroll administration, processing, and employee compensation practices, including Time Management, Compensation, Supplemental Benefits, and Payroll Administration.
- Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, labor laws, taxation, social insurance, and compliance standards.
- Strong understanding of payroll controls, audit requirements, data privacy, and risk management.
- Knowledge of Shared Services, GBS, and payroll service delivery models, with the ability to advise on complex payroll cases.
Communication: Influence stakeholders and align cross-functional teams on complex issues. Customer Service: Build trusted relationships, resolve escalations, and champion service excellence.
Automation & AI Skills
- Apply advanced Excel, SAP, Power Query, Power BI, AI and automation tools.
- Lead implementation of process optimization opportunities. Education
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
- Professional Payroll, HR, Accounting, or Finance certifications are highly preferred. Work Experience
- 6-8 years of relevant experience in Payroll, Compensation & Benefits, HR Operations, HR Shared Services, or Finance Operations within a multinational organization.
- Experience as a payroll SME or senior specialist, managing complex operations, escalations, and compliance matters.
- Demonstrated experience leading process improvement, automation, standardization, or payroll transformation initiatives.
- Experience supporting system implementations, migrations, transitions, or organizational change.
- Ability to provide functional leadership, coaching, and guidance to team members. System / Tool Experience
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong experience with SAP HCM, SAP SuccessFactors, case management, workflow, and service management platforms.
- Experience using reporting, analytics, automation, and AI-enabled HR solutions.
- Experience supporting system testing, implementation, and optimization.
- Fluent in both written and spoken English, with the ability to actively participate in business discussions and communicate effectively with stakeholders in English.
- Proven experience in business transition, with a solid understanding of transition planning and timelines, roles and responsibilities across different stakeholders, key deliverables at each stage, and effective handover to business-as-usual operations.