Payroll & HR Specialist (Europe)

Why this role? This is not a “keep-the-lights-on” HR role. You’ll sit right at the intersection of payroll excellence, HR operations, and change projects across Europe. If you enjoy getting into the details and improving how things work, this role gives you real ownership, visibility, and impact — without requiring 10+ years of experience. You’ll work closely with HR, Finance, and external payroll partners, playing a key role in payroll validation, vendor transition, and European standardisation, while still staying close to the employee lifecycle. What you’ll be doing Payroll Management & Projects (≈60%) You’ll be a key player in European payroll operations and upcoming transformation initiatives: Act as the 4th-eye checker for monthly payrolls, validating gross-to-net calculations, statutory deductions, and final payroll reports before payment across multiple European countries Lead and improve payroll controls and checklists across Europe, training HR colleagues and resolving discrepancies together Support the transition to a new payroll vendor, including system integration with the HRIS Take ownership of the payroll workstream in an upcoming entity consolidation project (contracts, benefits alignment, insurance harmonisation) Drive process standardisation across countries, using Excel-based reporting and analysis to increase accuracy and transparency This is a role for someone who likes structure, accuracy, and improving systems — not just running payroll, but making it better. HR Generalist Responsibilities (≈40%) Alongside payroll, you’ll stay closely connected to the business and employees: Provide hands-on HR support on performance management, employee relations, engagement, and organisational topics Manage core employee lifecycle processes: onboarding, contracts, job changes, and offboarding Coordinate and run monthly payroll processes for assigned countries (UK & Nordics), working closely with the payroll vendor and Finance Support workforce planning, talent initiatives, and organisational changes with local and regional stakeholders Ensure alignment with global HR policies, while staying compliant with local labour legislation Maintain accurate HRIS data and prepare HR reports and insights to support decision-making Act as the go-to contact for payroll-related audits, compliance checks, and employee payroll questions Who we’re looking for This role is designed for a strong mid-level profile, not a senior manager. You’ll likely have: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or similar Up to ~5 years of experience in HR, with a solid focus on payroll operations Hands-on experience with multi-country payroll (European scope) HRIS and payroll system experience Exposure to payroll projects such as vendor changes, system implementations, or process improvements A good understanding of European labour law and payroll compliance (you don’t need to be a legal expert) Strong Excel skills and confidence working with data and reports Clear communication skills and the ability to work with HR, Finance, and external partners Fluency in English Nice to have (but not a must): Experience working in an international or scale-up environment Additional European languages Background in tech, consumer electronics, or fast-moving international companies What’s in it for you A broad, international role with real ownership and project exposure Direct involvement in payroll transformation and system changes A collaborative HR team based in Amsterdam Hybrid working model Competitive salary and benefits aligned with a mid-level