Global Payroll Specialist, EMEA & APAC

The Role:

Joining Moderna offers the unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that's revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology, with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases.

As an employee, you'll be part of a continually growing organization, working alongside exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide, contributing to global health initiatives.

Moderna's commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines ensures a challenging and rewarding career experience, with the potential to make a significant impact on patients' lives worldwide.

Moderna is solidifying its presence within our international business services hub in Warsaw, Poland, a city renowned for its rich scientific and technological heritage. This hub provides critical functions, meeting the growing demand of Moderna’s global business operations. We're inviting professionals from around the world to join our mission and contribute to the future of mRNA medicines.

As Moderna continues to scale in Poland, our world-class Global Business Services Center (MESH) in Warsaw is expanding to support international operations. Within this dynamic environment, we are hiring a Global Payroll Specialist, EMEA & APAC to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple countries.

You will be the key payroll contact for our operations in EMEA and APAC, working closely with third-party vendors and internal partners across HR, Finance, Legal, and Compliance. From managing payroll inputs and outputs to driving continuous improvement and vendor performance, you will play a vital role in sustaining Moderna’s operational excellence.

The successful candidate will thrive in complexity, display excellent attention to detail, and maintain strict data integrity while continuously identifying new efficiencies. This role reports to the Senior Manager, Global Payroll (EMEA & APAC) and is embedded in a high-performing team committed to seamless service delivery.

Here’S What You’Ll Do:

Your Key Responsibilities Will Be:

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing in partnership with third-party vendors across multiple EMEA and APAC countries
• Coordinate the collection of payroll inputs such as salary changes, one-time payments, absences, overtime, and benefits updates
• Deliver accurate and timely payroll results, ensuring reporting obligations (e.g., pay slips, tax filings, compliance submissions) are met
• Lead communication with vendors and internal teams for adjustment files and change requests including new hires, terminations, and leaves
• Ensure compliance with SOX controls and audit requirements for all payroll cycles

Your Responsibilities Will Also Include:

• Partner with Compensation, Benefits, Equity, and Mobility teams to align payroll with broader HR and finance events
• Respond to employee inquiries via payroll inbox and ticketing systems, ensuring satisfaction and SLA compliance
• Monitor and manage vendor performance, addressing risks and escalations with KPIs and improvement action plans
• Oversee and maintain the payroll calendar, ensuring critical milestones and communications are met
• Protect the confidentiality and integrity of payroll data at all times while identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

• “We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.”In this sole contributor role, you will be the direct owner of payroll processing across diverse markets. Your ability to think proactively, resolve escalations, and lead vendor relationships will drive the accuracy and efficiency of payroll operations across the EMEA and APAC regions.
• “We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.”Your drive to improve processes will align with Moderna’s commitment to digital optimization. By introducing automation or digital streamlining, you will enhance payroll accuracy and contribute to Moderna’s global mission through operational excellence.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications):

• BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience
• 3+ years of experience in payroll solutions and vendor management
• Strong knowledge of local payroll legislation/taxation (Australia required; additional EMEA countries preferred)
• Proficiency with Workday, Microsoft Office, and advanced Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, linking formulas
• Proven accuracy, data integrity, and attention to detail
• Clear and confident communication skills in written and spoken English
• Hands-on experience with payroll files, benefit provider input, and outsourced vendor model
• Ability to work effectively across time zones and adapt to country-specific payroll requirements
• Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications):
• 3+ years of experience in payroll solutions and vendor management
• Strong knowledge of local payroll legislation/taxation (Australia required; additional EMEA countries preferred)
• Proficiency with Workday, Microsoft Office, and advanced Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, linking formulas
• Proven accuracy, data integrity, and attention to detail
• Clear and confident communication skills in written and spoken English
• Hands-on experience with payroll files, benefit provider input, and outsourced vendor model
• Ability to work effectively across time zones and adapt to country-specific payroll requirements
• Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications):
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a process-oriented mindset
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships, influence stakeholders, and align shared objectives
• Experience managing payroll in different delivery models (in-house, outsourced, and co-sourced).
• Additional payroll experience across APAC and EMEA regions
• Comfort thriving in a matrixed, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Familiarity with IPPEX and SAP (a plus)
• A collaborative professional with a desire to make an impact in a high-growth, transformational company that values being Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Quality healthcare and insurance benefits
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to create your own pathway to well-being
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investments
• Location-specific perks and extras!

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.  

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities. 

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S. 

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. 

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities. 

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. 

Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply! 

Moderna is committed to equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best. 

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. 

-