JOB LEVEL
M60/P60
EMPLOYEE ROLE
People Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Global Payroll Operations to coordinate and expand our global payroll operations. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery across all countries where we operate. The Director will coordinate payroll strategy, vendor management, compliance, systems optimization, and team leadership while working closely with Finance, HR, Legal and Tax.

The ideal candidate brings deep global payroll expertise, strong operational rigor, and the ability to drive transformation in a fast-paced, growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

Global Payroll Planning & Direction

• Develop and implement a global payroll strategy aligned with business growth and geographic expansion.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global payroll team.
• Establish scalable processes and governance models to support multi-country payroll operations.
• Serve as the executive point of contact for global payroll matters.

Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing across all jurisdictions.
• Maintain compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, statutory reporting, and filing requirements.
• Coordinate/support audits (internal and external) related to payroll and ensure remediation of findings.
• Manage payroll-related SOX controls and risk mitigation frameworks.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Evaluate, implement, and optimize global payroll systems and integrations with HRIS and finance systems.
• Lead payroll transformation projects, including automation and process standardization.
• Drive continuous improvement to improve employee experience and operational efficiency.

Vendor & Collaborator Management

• Coordinate relationships with global payroll providers and regional vendors.
• Partner closely with HR, Total Rewards, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and Tax teams.

Global Expansion & M&A Support

• Support new country expansions, entity setups, and workforce transitions.
• Lead payroll integration efforts for mergers and acquisitions.

Qualifications

Required

• 12+ years of progressive payroll experience, including significant global payroll leadership.
• Experience managing payroll across multiple countries and regions (e.g., Americas, EMEA, APAC).
• Solid understanding of worldwide payroll rules, tax regulations, and legal requirements.
• Experience with large-scale HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., Workday, UKG, Dayforce, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience managing audits and internal controls (SOX experience preferred).
• Demonstrated capability to guide and grow international teams.

Preferred

• Experience in a high-growth or multinational public company environment.
• Experience with worldwide payroll transformation projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience (MBA a plus).

Key Proficiencies

• Strategic problem solver with strong operational execution
• Outstanding attention to detail and risk management
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
• Change leadership and transformation approach
• Excellent communication and executive presence

Why Adobe

At Adobe, you’ll be part of a culture that values innovation, accountability, and inclusion. We believe payroll is not just a back-office function-it’s foundational to trust, employee experience, and business success. You’ll have the opportunity to build the future of global payroll at scale while working with dedicated teams around the world!

Adobe Capabilities (How We Work)

• Be a Leader: Build and encourage high-performing global teams.
• Be Focused: Drive operational excellence with rigor and accountability.
• Be Creative: Reimagine payroll through automation, simplification, and innovation.

Expected Pay Range:
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this positionis $156,500 -- $266,950 annually. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process.

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In California, the pay range for this position is $184,300 - $266,950

At Adobe, for sales roles starting salaries are expressed as total target compensation (TTC = base + commission), and short-term incentives are in the form of sales commission plans. Non-sales roles starting salaries are expressed as base salary and short-term incentives are in the form of the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP).

In addition, certain roles may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of a new hire equity award.

State-Specific Notices:

California :

Fair Chance Ordinances

Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.

Colorado:

Application Window Notice

If this role is open to hiring in Colorado (as listed on the job posting), the application window will remain open until at least the date and time stated above in Pacific Time, in compliance with Colorado pay transparency regulations. If this role does not have Colorado listed as a hiring location, no specific application window applies, and the posting may close at any time based on hiring needs.

Massachusetts:

Massachusetts Legal Notice

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Internal Opportunities

Creativity, curiosity, and constant learning are celebrated aspects of your career growth journey. We’re glad that you’re pursuing a new opportunity at Adobe!

Put your best foot forward:

1. Update your Resume/CV and Workday profile - don’t forget to include your uniquely ‘Adobe’ experiences and volunteer work.

2. Visit the Internal Mobility page on Inside Adobe to learn more about the process and set up a job alert for roles you’re interested in.

3. Check out these tips to help you prep for interviews.

4. If you are applying for a role outside of your current country, ensure you review the International Resources for Relocating Employees on Inside Adobe, including the impacts to your Benefits, AIP, Equity & Payroll .

Once you apply for a role via Workday, the Talent Team will reach out to you within 2 weeks. If you move into the official interview process with the hiring team, make sure you inform your manager so they can champion your career growth.

At Adobe, you will be immersed in an exceptional work environment that is recognized around the world. You will also be surrounded by colleagues who are committed to helping each other grow through our unique Check-In approach where ongoing feedback flows freely. If you’re looking to make an impact, Adobe's the place for you. Discover what our employees are saying about their career experiences on the Adobe Life blog and explore the meaningful benefits we offer.

Let’s Adobe together

At Adobe, we believe in creating a company culture where all employees are empowered to make an impact. Learn more about Adobe life, including our values and culture , focus on people, purpose and community , Adobe for All , comprehensive benefits programs , the stories we tell , the customers we serve, and how you can help us advance our mission of empowering everyone to create.

Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Learn more.

Adobe aims to make our Careers website and recruiting process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email accommodations@adobe.com or call +1 408-536-3015.

AI Use Guidelines for Interviews:
Our interviews are designed to reflect your own skills and thinking. The use of AI or recording tools during live interviews is not permitted unless explicitly invited by the interviewer or approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation. If these tools are used inappropriately or in a way that misrepresents your work, your application may not move forward in the process.

At Adobe, we empower employees to innovate with AI - and we look for candidates eager to do the same. As part of the hiring experience, we provide clear guidance on where AI is encouraged during the process and where it’s restricted during live interviews. See how we think about AI in the hiring experience .