Sweden Payroll Lead, 10-Month Fixed-Term Assignment

At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Here, you are empowered to push boundaries, challenge the status quo and make a meaningful difference to our people, patients and society.

We are now looking for an experienced Sweden Payroll Lead to join HR Services Sweden for a 10-month fixed-term assignment. This is an opportunity to lead an experienced Payroll & Time team while continuing to evolve and strengthen our payroll delivery in Sweden.

About the role

As Sweden Payroll Lead, you will lead our Payroll & Time professionals based across Gothenburg and Södertälje. You will provide direction, coach and develop the team, and have overall accountability for high-quality and compliant payroll delivery in Sweden.

Alongside ensuring a robust day-to-day payroll operation, an important part of your role will be to continue our transformation journey towards a more proactive, data-driven and automated payroll function. You will work closely with our payroll provider as well as HR, Finance and regional and global colleagues to strengthen processes, controls and ways of working.

Our Swedish HR Payroll team is part of AstraZeneca Global Business Services, HR Services, Payroll Services, delivering HR services through a combination of in-house, outsourced and offshore teams.

The position can be based at either our Gothenburg or Södertälje site, with an anticipated start date as soon as possible. The assignment will run for approximately 10 months, until end September 2027.

What you'll do

In this role, you will:

• Lead the team in delivering accurate and timely payroll in compliance with Swedish legislation, collective agreements, company policies and internal controls.
• Lead, coach and develop the Payroll & Time team, including performance management, resource planning and alignment with our payroll strategy.
• Manage payroll approval and compliance processes in line with the payroll calendar.
• Own and continuously strengthen payroll controls, documentation, reconciliations and audit readiness, including FCF/SOX controls and internal and external audits.
• Manage the relationship with our payroll provider, including service levels, issue escalation, controls and audit requirements.
• Ensure high-quality payroll data and accurate payroll-related financial information and postings.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve Payroll, Time and Absence processes, using automation, data and AI to increase accuracy, efficiency and employee experience.
• Lead or support cross-functional initiatives such as system upgrades, integrations, acquisitions and divestitures, new entity setups and operating model changes.
• Work closely with the Global Payroll Director and other key stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and build sustainable payroll capabilities for the future.

Essential requirements

We are looking for someone with:

• Extensive experience within Swedish Payroll and Time, with strong knowledge of end-to-end payroll processes, Swedish payroll legislation and applicable collective agreements.
• Previous leadership experience, or clear demonstrated capability to successfully lead and develop an experienced payroll team.
• Experience working in a global, complex and technology-driven organisation.
• Experience driving process improvement, automation or payroll transformation.
• Strong knowledge of payroll controls, audit and compliance.
• Strong analytical capabilities and attention to detail, with a clear commitment to data integrity and payroll accuracy.
• Strong financial understanding, including accounting, General Ledger and payroll posting processes.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience using data, automation and/or AI to drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to effectively manage highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Degree-level education or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Swedish and English.

Desirable requirements

It would be advantageous if you also have:

• Experience with Workday HCM and Workday Time and Absence.
• Experience managing an external payroll provider.
• Payroll certification or an equivalent professional qualification.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, collaborate and work at pace. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office, while continuing to respect individual flexibility.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, our work has a direct impact on people's lives. But delivering life-changing medicines also depends on the people, systems and services behind our science.

You'll join an international organisation where you can collaborate across functions, challenge existing ways of working and help shape how we deliver for our employees and the business. We value different perspectives, continuous learning and people who are willing to improve the way things are done.

So, what's next?

If you have strong Swedish payroll expertise and enjoy combining people leadership, operational excellence and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your application, including your CV and cover letter, no later than 24 November 2026. Please combine your cover letter and CV into one document before uploading.

Date Posted

10-Nov-2026

Closing Date

24-Nov-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.