Johannesburg: Global Payroll Simulation Specialist (EOR)

Permanent | Remote (EMEA / Americas / APAC time-zone friendly) | Highly Competitive Salary (Negotiable based on experience) Bonus About the Role We are looking for an exceptional Global Payroll Simulation Specialist who thrives on complexity and precision. This is a high-impact, client-facing role that sits at the intersection of global payroll, employment cost modelling, EOR strategy, and commercial negotiation. You will own the creation and continuous improvement of our proprietary global employer-cost simulation models, enabling clients to make fast, data-driven decisions on whether to hire via Employer of Record (EOR), set up their own entity, or use a hybrid approach — in any country worldwide. Key Responsibilities Build, maintain and expand fully-loaded cost-to-company simulation models covering 150 countries Accurately incorporate statutory employer taxes, mandatory benefits, social security, pensions, bargaining council levies, customary perks, 13th/14th-month payments, severance accruals, treaty benefits, tax exemptions, FX impacts, and notice periods Obtain, calibrate and benchmark real provider quotes (Deel, Remote, Papaya, Safeguard, Multiplier, etc.) against your models Produce clear, client-ready playbooks with side-by-side comparisons (EOR vs. local entity vs. contractor misclassification risk) Perform sensitivity analysis and “what-if” scenarios (salary changes, start dates, headcount ramp-up, currency fluctuations) Present final recommendations and full costing solutions to C-level clients and get sign-off Negotiate aggressively yet fairly with EOR providers and local partners to secure the best possible rates for clients Continuously deepen country-specific research to keep models accurate and ahead of legislative changes Must-Have Experience & Skills 3 years hands-on global payroll / Employer of Record (EOR) experience Direct operational experience with at least 2 major EOR platforms (e.g., Deel, Remote, Papaya Global, Globalization Partners, Multiplier, Safeguard, etc.) Deep international global payroll understanding across EMEA, Americas, APAC and emerging markets Exceptional research and interpretational skills of local labour laws, tax regulations, collective agreements and double-taxation treaties (multi-language capability highly advantageous) Absolute accuracy and detail-orientation – zero tolerance for errors in high-stakes client deliverables Proven out-of-the-box thinking with a “find me a compliant solution” mindset to complex simulations and cost-optimisation challenges High tolerance for pressured, timeline-sensitive environments – ability to deliver flawless work under tight client deadlines Advanced Excel/Google Sheets proficiency (complex formulas, dynamic arrays, Power Query, scenario managers, data tables, VBA strongly preferred) Strong commercial acumen and advanced negotiation skills with clients, providers and partners Impeccable documentation and client communication (written and spoken English) Key Deliverables You Will Own Global Country Cost Matrix (continuously updated) Detailed Assumptions & Sources Log Sensitivity & Scenario Analysis Packs Client-facing Playbooks and Hiring Strategy Recommendations per country If you live for accuracy at global scale, love turning hundreds of country variables into one crystal-clear recommendation, and perform at your best under pressure — this is your role.