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 is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.

Sweden Payroll Lead, 10-Month Fixed-Term Assignment.

more at Astrazeneca.

Head of Diagnostics - ANZ

Senior Director- Global Development Scientist

Manager, Market Access Policy Implementation

similar roles.

Candidate Experience Associate

Media Director

Recruitment Coordination Specialist

Recruiter

People Services Specialist

Operations Manager - Surgical and Procedural Services