Payroll Manager

Job Title: Payroll Manager

Location: Malaysia

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position and for this vacancy in principle we will consider candidates based in the set locations. If you are based outside of these locations and you are interested to apply, please feel free to do so but at this stage we will not take your application forward. We will only consider your application if a decision is made to also recruit outside of the set locations.

About Unilever

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world.

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment.

Job Purpose

Unilever is looking for an experienced and dynamic Payroll Manager to oversee our payroll operations. This role combines expertise in payroll management, compliance, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration across the 1UL APAC region. With operations in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Singapore, our goal is to provide precise and compliant payroll services to our regional workforce.

The role will involve leading regional operations and supporting the transformation and continuous improvement agenda.

Main Responsibilities

• Oversee Payroll Operations: Manage end-to-end payroll processes, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing for all employees in compliance with local markets and internal policies.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to address payroll-related inquiries and issues. Build strong relationships with HR, Finance, Global Mobility, Equity, and other departments.
• Work with key COE members on activities such as Vendor Management, continuous improvement, development, and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure payroll systems, processes, policies, and tools comply with Unilever's internal standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Generate and analyze payroll reports to provide insights and support decision-making. Identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of payroll professionals to achieve operational excellence and career growth.
• Develop and oversee activities/plans required to mitigate/prevent country exposure to both internal and external risk.
• Share internal and external knowledge and best practices among members of the PEX Leadership and Payroll expertise team.

Candidate Criteria

Experience & Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in payroll operations, especially in Southeast Asia, with at least 2 years in a management role.
• Proven experience in managing multi-countries and cross-functional stakeholders and payroll vendors.
• In-depth understanding of SOX controls and compliance requirements.
• High financial and business acumen.
• Able to create and drive adoption and execution of a shared vision and strategy for change.

Skills

• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.
• Ability to work under pressure in a complex global environment.
• Fluent in English with strong verbal and written communication skills; speaking local languages is a plus.
• Strong in selling ideas and concepts.
• Inspiring, motivational, and accountable people leader, able to lead remote and cross-cultural teams.
• Strong project and time management skills for complex global projects.
• Flexibility and agile mindset.

Leadership

• You are energized by delivering fantastic results and are an example to others.
• You are responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work.
• You are an inclusive motivator of people, fostering passion and learning in your team.
• You balance challenge with support and coaching, understanding the wider business context.

Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors

• PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Sets high standards and builds empathy for others.
• PERSONAL MASTERY: Takes personal responsibility for wellbeing and resilience.
• CONSUMER LOVE: Invests time to understand consumer needs.
• PURPOSE & SERVICE: Understands that leadership is service to others.
• BUSINESS ACUMEN: Creates sustainable growth with purpose.
• TALENT CATALYST: Invests in people and creates an inclusive climate.

The roles of duties are not exhaustive and may change according to business requirements.

Note: Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment journey. If you require any support to complete your application or any subsequent stage throughout your recruitment journey with us at Unilever, please specify how we may be able to assist you.

Additional Information

Office Based Role

Location Malaysia – Unihome Malaysia Unilever

Please be aware that if you are applying for this role, we require you to have working rights in the country where the role will be based. If successful, your application will be treated as a self-initiated Change Location Outside of Country (CLOC) transfer. This means any relocation costs must be self-funded. Please speak to your Talent Partner if you have any questions.

Are you interested?

Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications will not be processed. By applying to this role, you confirm that you have informed your Line Manager and that you are at a point in your career with Unilever where it is appropriate for you to be applying for other positions.