Senior Manager, Global Payroll, EMEA and APAC

Job description

The Role:

Joining Moderna offers the unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that's revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology, with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases.

As an employee, you'll be part of a continually growing organization, working alongside exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide, contributing to global health initiatives.

Moderna's commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines ensures a challenging and rewarding career experience, with the potential to make a significant impact on patients' lives worldwide.

Moderna is solidifying its presence within our international business services hub in Warsaw, Poland, a city renowned for its rich scientific and technological heritage.

This hub provides critical functions, meeting the growing demand of Moderna’s global business operations.

We're inviting professionals from around the world to join our mission and contribute to the future of mRNA medicines.

As Moderna expands its Global Business Services Center (MESH) in Warsaw, we are looking for a driven Senior Manager, Global Payroll (EMEA & APAC) to join our Global Payroll team.

This is a pivotal role within our Finance function, with full ownership of payroll operations across multiple countries in the EMEA and APAC regions.

You will act as the strategic and operational expert, ensuring payroll is executed with precision, compliance, and timeliness.

In this role, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders including payroll vendors, HR, Digital, Legal, and Compliance teams to optimize processes and deliver a world-class payroll experience.

Your success will rely on your technical mastery, attention to regulatory compliance, and capacity to navigate the complexity of international payroll environments—all while driving impactful improvements and enabling the broader Finance strategy.

This is an individual contributor position based in Warsaw, reporting to the Director, Global Payroll, with regional influence and cross-functional collaboration at its core.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Own and manage end-to-end payroll operations across the EMEA and APAC regions.

• Lead and support the regional payroll cycle ensuring timely, accurate, and fully compliant delivery.

• Oversee payroll activities and funding, including data collection, payroll execution, and reporting (e.g., payslips, tax filings, benefits contributions, compliance documentation).

• Ensure full compliance with local payroll regulations and Moderna policies.

• Establish and enforce strong internal controls aligned with SOX requirements and audit standards.

• Provide expert-level support for escalated payroll issues with a focus on resolution and coaching.

Your responsibilities will also include:

• Partner with the Director, Global Payroll on strategic initiatives, including system upgrades and payroll conversions.

• Drive payroll vendor performance through KPI monitoring, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans.

• Continuously optimize payroll systems, workflows, and controls for improved scalability and efficiency.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Legal, and Digital to align payroll practices with organizational priorities.

• Contribute to year-end payroll processes and regional compliance activities, ensuring accurate filings and audit readiness.

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

• “We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.”
  Your role will thrive at the intersection of digital process automation and operational precision.
  
  As payroll systems evolve globally, your ability to champion digitization—through platforms, reporting tools, and vendor integrations—will be critical to delivering impact at scale.

• “We behave like owners.
  
  The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.”
  This role is not about ticking boxes—it’s about driving change.
  
  From vendor performance to audit compliance and process improvements, you'll be empowered to lead with ownership and deliver outcomes that advance our shared mission.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications):

• BA/BS degree or equivalent is required, with equivalent work experience

• 7-10+ years of progressive payroll experience, with demonstrated expertise in managing payroll operations and vendor relationships across multiple countries

• Strong knowledge of EMEA and APAC payroll processes

• Proficiency in Workday, Payroll technology and solution; prefer SAP experience

• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to build strong partnerships, influence stakeholders, and align cross-functional teams toward common goals

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required

• Thrives in matrix environments, is flexible, collaborative and deadline-driven

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications):

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail, and a results-driven mindset

• Proven ability to translate complex business requirements into practical, operational payroll solutions

• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate challenges effectively

• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) at an advanced level

• Experience with in-house, outsourced, and co-sourced payroll delivery models is preferred

• A collaborative professional with a desire to make an impact in a high-growth, transformational company that values being Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.

 That’s why our global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Quality healthcare and insurance benefits
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well-being
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investments
• Location-specific perks and extras!

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.