Payroll Operations Analyst (fixed term - maternity cover)

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Your New Role…

Join Warner Bros. Discovery as a dedicated EMEA Payroll Operations Analyst within the Global Business Services People and Culture Shared Services Payroll Operations Department. The Payroll Operations Analyst plays a crucial role in payroll administration, conducting audits, and implementing best practices in payroll processes. This position involves compiling, analyzing, and documenting issues related to payroll and associated activities to identify systemic problems. The Analyst will also be responsible for researching and responding to payroll inquiries, supporting internal audits, and preparing materials for external and internal auditors. Active participation in special projects is expected. If you are detail-oriented and enthusiastic about ensuring payroll excellence, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Your Role Accountabilities… 

International Payroll Operations Execution: 

• Ensure accurate and timely execution of payrolls in the EMEA region. 

• Collaborate closely with Safeguard, our global payroll provider for precise and punctual processing. 

• Act as the primary contact for the outsourced payroll service provider. 

Compliance and Point of Contact: 

• Ensure compliance with payroll processing calendars for each country. 

• Serve as the point of contact for international payroll operations, employee issues, benefits, and inquiries related to payroll tools and processes. 

• Resolve payroll-related inquiries from employees, agencies, and other internal/external parties. 

• Manage ticket requests in the case management system for payment issuance and other payroll issues. 

Analysis and Documentation: 

• Compile, analyze, and document issues related to payroll and fiscal activities to identify systemic problems. 

• Identify opportunities and contribute to implementing continuous improvements in payroll procedures. 

Collaboration and Support: 

• Work closely with Legal, Finance, and HR to ensure payroll compliance. 

• Support internal audits in various payroll areas and prepare materials for external and internal auditors. 

Reporting and Data Analysis: 

• Compile statistics and reports regularly, including ad hoc requests and Year-end reporting. 

• Perform data analysis by running reports and utilizing Excel functionality (vlookups, index match, pivot tables). 

Testing and Special Projects: 

• Participate in testing of payroll systems or process changes and enhancements. 

• Contribute to other special projects as required. 

Qualifications & Experience… 

• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in payroll operations, supporting EMEA markets while managing sensitive and confidential information is required. Experience in a shared service, large multi-business unit organization is a plus.  

• Education: bachelor’s degree in business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field or equivalent combination of work experience required. Payroll certification a plus. 

• Language Requirements: Must be bilingual. English speaking. 

• Technical Skills: Experience with Workday HR/Safeguard payroll or other SaaS payroll tools required (SAP or PeopleSoft) with payroll integration and mass data loads (EIB) preferred. Knowledge of Microsoft is required, particularly with MS Excel. 

• Relationship Management: Strong relationship skills. Experienced in building and maintaining effective collaborations. Recognized for reliability, integrity, and trustworthiness. 

• Process Management: Solid knowledge of payroll and compensation practices (salary, benefits, taxes, etc) and statutory requirements for EMEA, plus statutory requirements across countries in EMEA is required. Skilled in process management, improvements, and re-engineering. Ability to manage high volume activities on time, in a fast-paced environment. 

• Organizational Skills: Excellent planning, time management, prioritization, and follow-up skills. Has strong analytical skills and attention to detail.   

• Communication & Influence: Exceptional communication and customer service skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly at all levels and in English.  

What's in it for you...

• contract of employment - fixed term (maternity cover)

• hybrid work 

• benefits package: private medical care, life and accident insurance, MyBenefit cafeteria platform, sports card, social fund, retirement pension plan, Employee Referral Program 

• free access to the Max platform 

• work-life balance initiatives: well-being platform, yoga, massages, educational webinars, Employee Support Program, film screenings organized by employees in the office cinema 

• training and development: training platform, co-financing of English lessons, Employee Resource Groups, Engagement Club - the opportunity to develop your interests in thematic employee groups, online meetings with experts 

• CSR activities: volunteering, ecological and social initiatives 

• access to parking spaces 

#LI-Hybrid

Hybrid Working - This role is advertised as a Hybrid work model, that combines remote and in-office work, following our current company policy and to be agreed with your Line Manager. Subject to any applicable laws, WBD / your Line Manager reserves the right to change this working agreement where this is essential to business needs and upon reasonable notice to you.

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at   along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our for instructions to submit your request.