Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Global Payroll

at Aggreko

🏢 About Aggreko

Aggreko is a global leader in innovative energy solutions, dedicated to reducing environmental impact while delivering reliable power and temperature control. Their remote-first culture and commitment to sustainability make them an attractive employer for mission-driven professionals.

About This Role

As Head of Global Payroll, you will lead a multi-year transformation to standardize and automate payroll across 20+ countries, directly impacting operational efficiency and employee experience. This role is pivotal in driving strategic value through vendor consolidation, Workday integration, and AI adoption.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual stand-up with your regional payroll leads to review priorities and issues, followed by a strategy session with the IT team on Workday enhancements. Afternoon could involve a vendor performance review meeting and drafting a governance framework for a new country rollout.

🎯 Who Aggreko Is Looking For

  • Proven track record of leading large-scale payroll transformation in a global, multi-country environment, ideally with experience in outsourced payroll models.
  • Deep expertise in payroll governance, controls, tax, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
  • Commercially minded leader who balances strategic vision with hands-on execution, and thrives in a change-oriented, remote-first organization.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience collaborating across HR, Finance, Tax, IT, and regional leadership to drive alignment and results.

📝 Tips for Applying to Aggreko

1

Highlight specific examples of payroll transformation programs you led, including metrics like cost savings, efficiency gains, or vendor consolidation.

2

Emphasize your experience with Workday or similar HCM/payroll systems, and any familiarity with AI or automation in payroll processes.

3

Demonstrate your ability to work remotely and lead distributed teams, mentioning tools and practices you use for collaboration and accountability.

4

Tailor your resume to show a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on technical knowledge, especially in payroll governance and compliance.

5

Research Aggreko's sustainability initiatives and mention how payroll efficiency supports their broader environmental and operational goals.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for leading transformation and standardizing global payroll operations.', "Specific examples of how you've driven vendor consolidation and process automation in previous roles.", 'Your ability to build and develop high-performing teams across multiple regions.', "How your expertise in payroll compliance and governance aligns with Aggreko's commitment to integrity and operational excellence."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Aggreko's recent sustainability reports and how payroll operations support their environmental goals.
  • The structure of their HR and finance teams, and how global payroll interacts with these functions.
  • Any recent news about Aggreko's digital transformation or technology adoption in HR/payroll.
  • Their company values and culture, especially around remote work and employee experience.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you led a payroll transformation. What was the scope, challenges, and outcomes?
2 How do you ensure payroll compliance across multiple countries with different regulations?
3 How would you approach vendor consolidation and what criteria would you use to evaluate providers?
4 How do you foster collaboration and accountability in a remote, global team?
5 What experience do you have with Workday payroll or similar systems, and how do you leverage technology for efficiency?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on domestic payroll experience without demonstrating global or multi-country expertise.
  • Underestimating the importance of soft skills like stakeholder management and team building in a remote environment.
  • Failing to show a balance between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery, as the role requires both.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Aggreko!