Manager, Payroll APAC

The Opportunity:

Responsible for leading payroll governance, standardisation and operational oversight across APAC (excluding Manufacturing). This role will establish a regional payroll governance model, drive process harmonisation, strengthen controls and compliance, and partner with local payroll providers and stakeholders to prepare the region for future global payroll transformation initiatives and global payroll standardisation.

The Manager, Payroll APAC will serve as the regional subject matter expert for payroll governance, ensuring payroll processes are accurate, compliant, efficient and aligned to global standards while reducing reliance on local market ownership.

Payroll includes salary, tax, attendance, benefits etc.

What Your Impact Will Be:

Payroll Governance & Strategy

• Establish and lead the APAC payroll governance framework
• Develop regional payroll standards, controls and operating procedures.
• Drive harmonisation of payroll processes across markets.
• Support preparation for future global payroll system implementation and transformation initiatives.

Payroll operation excellence

• Ensure monthly payroll operation is well executed effectively and accurately per every market’s payroll calendar, in the compliant way.
• End-to-end in charge of SEA‘s payroll operation work with team support.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with payroll vendors and service providers across APAC.
• Partner with Finance, P&C Operations, Compensation & Benefits and Business Partners to ensure effective and accurate payroll governance.
• Monitor vendor performance and service delivery against agreed standards.

Compliance & Controls

• Monitor for regulation/policy updates across the markets and ensure timely adaptation.
• Ensure payroll controls, audit requirements and compliance obligations are maintained across all markets.
• Review payroll processes and identify operational and compliance risks.
• Support internal and external audit activities.

Process Improvement & Transformation

• Identify automation opportunities and process improvements.
• Drive payroll process standardisation and simplification.
• Support readiness activities and future payroll transformation initiatives.

Reporting & Governance

• Develop payroll governance metrics and reporting.
• Monitor payroll performance, accuracy and service delivery.
• Provide payroll insights and recommendations to regional and global stakeholders.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop payroll support resources.
• Build payroll capability and succession planning within the function.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What We’re Looking For:

• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

  Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related discipline.

  Work Experience

• 7+ years of payroll experience within a multinational organisation.
• Experience managing payroll across multiple countries.
• Experience working with outsourced payroll providers.
• Experience leading payroll governance, compliance or transformation initiatives.
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations or enhancements.
• Experience working within APAC markets preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of payroll governance, controls and compliance.
• Strong understanding of APAC payroll environments and vendor models.
• Experience with Dayforce, Workday or equivalent payroll and HRIS platforms.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong inter-personal skills and collaborative with cross-teams.
• Self-driver and strong ownership to drive the results
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience managing payroll vendors and service level agreements.
• Strong project management and change management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting capabilities.
• High level of discretion and ability to manage confidential information.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:
We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at and .

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy