Manager - Payroll & Master Data Management

AB InBev GCC was incorporated in 2014 as a strategic partner for Anheuser-Busch InBev. The center leverages the power of data and analytics to drive growth for critical business functions such as operations, finance, people, and technology. The teams are transforming Operations through Tech and Analytics.
Do You Dream Big?
We Need You.
Job Description
Job Title: Manager - Payroll & Master Data Management
Location: Bangalore (Onsite)
Reporting to: Senior Manager -Total Rewards
PURPOSE OF ROLE
The Manager - Payroll & Master Data Management (Payroll & MDM) is responsible for end-to-end payroll governance, employee master data management, payroll vendor management, compliance, process transformation, and employee experience for India GCC operations.
The role serves as the single point of accountability for payroll accuracy, statutory compliance, payroll controls, vendor performance, process excellence, and HR systems integration. The incumbent will partner with Total Rewards, Finance, HR Business Partners, Legal, Procurement, IT, and external payroll vendors to ensure accurate, compliant, and scalable payroll operations while driving continuous improvement and automation initiatives.
KEY TASKS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Payroll Operations Leadership
Own end-to-end monthly payroll operations for all employee population.
Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing with zero-defect mindset.
Govern payroll calendars, cut-off processes, validations, approvals, and payroll sign-off.
Review payroll outputs, variance reports, reconciliations, and control reports.
Ensure accurate processing of:
Salary revisions
Bonus payments
Incentives
Allowances
Reimbursements
Off-cycle payments
Recovery transactions
Final settlements
Drive payroll service quality and SLA adherence.
Payroll Vendor Governance
Act as primary business owner for payroll outsourcing partners.
Define and govern operational KPIs and SLAs.
Lead governance reviews, audits, and performance discussions.
Manage vendor escalations and risk mitigation plans.
Ensure complete payroll process documentation and knowledge transfer.
Own vendor transition, onboarding, and service continuity programs.
Ensure business continuity planning and disaster recovery readiness.
Master Data Management (MDM)
Govern employee master data lifecycle within Workday and associated HR systems.
Ensure accuracy of:
Employee records
Compensation data
Organizational structures
Cost center
Position data
Leave records
Lead data quality initiatives and establish preventive controls.
Drive reduction of manual data corrections through automation and process redesign.
Compliance & Controls
Ensure compliance with:
Income Tax regulations
PF regulations
ESI regulations
Labour Codes
Professional Tax
LWF
Gratuity
Data Privacy regulations
Manage payroll audit requirements and statutory inspections.
Drive payroll governance framework and internal controls.
Ensure audit readiness for Internal Audit, External Audit, Finance Audit, and Regulatory reviews.
Own payroll documentation retention and compliance standards.
Systems & Transformation
Act as business lead for payroll technology and integrations.
Manage payroll ecosystem including:
Workday
Payroll platforms
Banking interfaces
Government portals
Reporting tools
Drive automation opportunities using:
Power BI
Power Automate
Python
Excel automation
AI-enabled solutions
Lead payroll transformation initiatives and system enhancement projects.
Partner with IT and vendors on implementation, UAT, and production deployments.
Employee Experience & Service Delivery
Own payroll helpdesk strategy and employee communication programs.
Ensure timely resolution of payroll, tax, PF, and compensation-related queries.
Partner with Total Rewards to improve employee payroll experience.
Drive awareness sessions on:
Tax planning
Flexible benefits
Compensation programs
Payroll processes
Establish service excellence culture within payroll operations.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
Lead payroll and MDM teams to achieve operational excellence.
Build strong relationships with:
Total Rewards leadership
HR Business Partners
Finance
Procurement
Legal
IT
Global stakeholders
Present payroll metrics, risks, and transformation progress to leadership.
Support strategic Total Rewards initiatives and GCC growth programs.
Mentor and develop team members through structured capability-building plans.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in HR, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.
MBA / PGDM / Professional qualification preferred.
Experience:
8-12 years of HR Operations, Payroll, or Shared Services experience.
Experience in FP&A will be an added advantage.
Minimum 4+ years of payroll leadership experience.
Experience managing payroll for 1,000+ employees.
Experience managing outsourced payroll vendors.
Experience in GCC / Shared Services environment preferred.
Proven experience leading payroll transformation or implementation projects
Technical/Leadership Skills: (Mention any technical, functional or tool related skill in this section)
Workday HCM
Payroll Systems
SAP HR/HCM (preferred)
Advanced Excel
Power Query
Power BI
Power Automate
Data Analytics
Payroll Reconciliation
Workforce Reporting
Process Automation
AI-enabled productivity tools
Ownership & Accountability
Strategic Thinking
Stakeholder Management
Vendor Governance
Risk Management
Change Management
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Analytical Problem Solving
Influencing without Authority
Communication & Executive Presence
And above all of this, an undying love for beer!
We dream big to create a future with more cheers.

Work arrangement
No