Payroll Specialist & Compensation

About the role

Airbus CRISA (Airbus Defence & Space) in Tres Cantos, Madrid area, is hiring a Payroll Specialist & Compensation for a permanent position. Reporting directly to the HR Director, the role takes ownership of payroll processes and core HR systems, acting as the bridge between the external payroll provider (ADP), Finance, employees and customers. It covers payroll coordination, quality assurance, employee support, HRIS/ERP maintenance, reporting and benefits administration, with a growing focus on compensation and benefits.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the main liaison with the external payroll provider (ADP), manage process parameterisation and prepare accurate, timely monthly payroll inputs (variations, bonuses, absences).
• Review and validate monthly payroll outputs from ADP and work with Finance on salary payments, tax withholdings and Social Security contributions.
• Be the first point of contact for employee questions and claims about pay and benefits.
• Maintain personnel data in the HRIS/ERP, tracking employee records, leave of absence and time off.
• Prepare HR metrics and reports for the HR Director and all mandatory documentation for the Workers' Legal Representation (RLPT).
• Defend against internal audits and labour, social security and tax inspections.
• Collaborate with the HR Director on employee benefits packages, with the role expanding to a strategic view of compensation and benefits from negotiation through delivery.

Required profile

• 5+ years of experience in payroll management and personnel administration, including liaison with outsourced payroll providers.
• Strong understanding of Spanish Social Security processes, tax calculations and reading/auditing complex payroll outputs.
• Excellent command of Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets (XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, data reconciliation).
• Strong collaboration skills with the HR Generalist and Finance teams, and clear communication with employees.
• Professional fluency in English; recent ADP experience, benefits systems experience and an interest in workforce analytics are highly valued.