LATAM Regional Payroll Lead

Job Location: Mexico City

Calling all originals: At Levi Strauss & Co., you can be yourself — and be part of something bigger. We're a company of people who like to forge our own path and leave the world better than we found it. Who believe that what makes us different makes us stronger. So add your voice. Make an impact. Find your fit — and your future. 

In partnership with local country HR and Finance teams, this position provides strategic oversight of all aspects of the payroll function, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal standards. The role involves evaluating and enhancing payroll processes to meet evolving regulatory requirements and business needs, while managing third-party vendors to ensure service delivery aligns with contractual obligations.

As part of the Global Accounting team, the role is responsible for regional payroll operations, maintaining accurate payroll records, and ensuring statutory compliance for all employees in the region. The successful candidate will serve as the regional escalation point for payroll issues and will drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize payroll processes within the global framework. All activities must be conducted in accordance with company policies and applicable local and regional regulations.

About the Job 

• Payroll Authorization – Review and approve payroll prior to processing, ensuring all transactions are properly supported with documentation. Guarantee accurate and timely management of all payroll deliverables.

• Strategic Planning – Understands the industry and business priorities actively translating them into operational tactics and tools to build the organizational support and infrastructure needed to achieve them.

• Reporting and Analytics – Leverage data to uncover trends, issues, and opportunities impacting payroll. Analyze root causes and prepare financial reports to meet internal and external reporting requirements.

• Compliance Oversight - Maintain current knowledge of payroll-related laws, regulations, contracts, and policies across the region. Ensure compliance with audit standards and fiscal practices. Collaborate with third-party vendors to maintain statutory documentation and serve as the primary contact for audit-related inquiries and investigations.  Develop and maintain roles and responsibilities and end-to-end operational documentation.

• Resource and Vendor Management – Manage regional payroll vendor contracts and calendars. Facilitate regular performance reviews against SLAs and identify efficiency improvements.  Act as the subject matter expert for payroll-related policies, regulations, and issue resolution.

• Change Agent – Engage and collaborate with local stakeholders to drive enhanced ways of working in alignment with global processes and standardization.  Communicate the value and impact of change initiatives fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation. Apply systematic thinking to manage multiple change efforts effectively.

• Additional Duties- Perform other responsibilities as assigned to ensure the smooth and compliant operation of the payroll function.

About You 

• Proven ability in administration of complex, multi-country payroll operations and systems.

• Deep expertise in end-to-end payroll processes and vendor management, including performance oversight.

• Strong understanding of local employment laws, tax regulations, and year-end filings.

• Skilled in fiscal controls, SOX compliance, and resolving payroll/tax-related issues.

• Experienced in HR workflows and large-scale service delivery environments.

• Proficient in HRMS and payroll platforms; familiarity with Workday.

• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.

• Strong project management and analytical problem-solving capabilities.

• Collaborative and relationship-oriented, effective across remote and diverse teams.

• Technologically adept with Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.

• Comfortable working in fast-paced, global business services environments.

• Sound judgment, proactive mindset, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management *Recruiters to confirm this includes federal labor law and compliance requirements.

• Experience: 5–10 years of experience managing HR administration and payroll processes across LATAM, including payroll preparation, taxation, accounting, benefits in kind, and compliance while coordinating with third-party payroll providers