Co-Head of Payroll Team | Co-Leitung des Entgeltteams (m/w/d)

Stadt Köln

Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Deutschland
Published Apr 8, 2026
Full-time
Permanent

Job Summary

The Stages of the City of Cologne (Bühnen der Stadt Köln) is seeking a Co-Head of Payroll to lead a team of four specialists in one of Germany's largest multi-genre theaters. This unique role is designed for a long-term transition, allowing the successful candidate to work alongside the current lead until their retirement in 2027. Day-to-day, you will oversee payroll processing for over 800 employees under various public service and artistic collective agreements (TVöD, TVK, and NV Bühne). You will be responsible for technical supervision, establishing standards, coordinating the onboarding of new staff, and ensuring the timely payment of salaries. This position offers a stable career in the public sector with the opportunity to influence the administrative infrastructure of a major cultural institution as it returns to its historic home at Offenbachplatz. The role is ideal for a detail-oriented leader with strong integrity and a passion for cultural administration.

Required Skills

Education

University degree (Bachelor or Diploma) in Administrative Sciences, Public Administration Management, Law, or Economics; OR completion of Administrative Course II (Verwaltungslehrgang II); OR qualification for the civil service career group 1, second entry level of the non-technical administrative service.

Experience

  • Professional experience in payroll accounting and administration
  • Experience in leading and developing small teams
  • Practical experience with SAP HCM and digital document management systems
  • Experience working within public service collective bargaining frameworks (TVöD or similar)
  • Experience in coordinating onboarding and training for administrative staff

Languages

Not specified

Additional

  • Must meet personal requirements for 'Anordnungsbefugnis' (authorization to order payments) per City of Cologne financial guidelines. Willingness to take a portion of annual leave during theater summer breaks (aligned with NRW school holidays). Support for election duties (up to 3 days per election). Position is permanent and available as full-time (39-41 hours) or part-time.