PAYROLL MANAGER – MASSIVE RETAIL PAYROLL OPERATION

O'Brien Recruitment • Brackenfell, ZA • 1w ago

PAYROLL MANAGER – MASSIVE RETAIL PAYROLL OPERATION

Location: Cape Town
Headcount Environment: ±170,000 employees across more than 20 companies (including non-RSA)

We’re looking for a high-calibre Payroll Manager who has operated in a large, complex, multi-entity payroll environment. This isn’t a run-of-the-mill payroll job — it requires someone who thrives under pressure, understands the risks involved at this scale, and can keep a massive payroll structure running without error.

MUST-HAVES (Non-Negotiable)

Minimum 5 years’ experience within a large, high-volume payroll environment (retail experience is a major advantage)
2–3 years supervisory or management experience
SAP payroll exposure highly beneficial
Advanced Excel & strong technical ability
Deep knowledge of statutory, legislative and regulatory requirements (SARS, DoL, UIF, PAYE, BCEA)
Demonstrated success managing:
- High-volume payroll processing
- Inter-company payrolls
- Bulk data uploads
- Authorising payroll runs with strict controls
- Preparing and processing bank files
- Large-scale payroll queries with fast turnaround
- Internal and external audits
- Monthly, quarterly and ad hoc reporting

Role Scope & Complexity

You’ll be stepping into one of the largest payroll structures in the country, servicing over 170,000 employees spread across multiple companies, divisions, and regions.

The role requires someone who can:

Maintain absolute accuracy across thousands of transactions
Spot risks before they become issues
Implement and improve payroll controls
Uphold strict compliance standards across all entities
Engage confidently with HR, Finance, Auditors, IT and Senior Leadership
Drive stability, efficiency and continuous improvement in the payroll environment
Guide and mentor payroll staff to meet performance and compliance targets

This role carries significant responsibility — the company needs someone who understands the operational, financial and legal implications of payroll at this scale and can manage it confidently.

? Qualifications