Payroll Specialist

Reporting to: People Manager
Department: People Department
Location: Amsterdam HO

About the role

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to support our colleagues across the business by ensuring payroll is delivered accurately, on time, and right first time. Our aim is to provide a first-class payroll service so our colleagues can focus on what they do best.

In the Netherlands, you will support payroll for approximately 1,300 colleagues across 34 stores, working closely with Payroll, People Operations, and Finance to ensure smooth and compliant payroll operations.

JD Sports is one of the world’s leading multi-channel retailers in sports fashion, streetwear, and outdoor brands, with over 90,000 colleagues in 36 countries and more than 4,500 stores worldwide. In the Netherlands, we continue to grow and are looking for motivated talent who want to actively contribute to shaping our People culture.

We value diversity and inclusion and strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, included, and celebrated.

Putting the colleague first is at the heart of what we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and oversee the accurate and timely payroll for approximately 1,300 colleagues across 34 stores.


• Investigate and resolve payroll queries, discrepancies, and system-related issues in a structured and timely manner.


• Ensure payroll data is complete and accurate, including changes related to contracts, absences, bonuses, and benefits.


• Maintain compliance with Dutch tax legislation, labour law, and pension regulations.


• Prepare payroll-related reports for management and Finance.


• Support Finance during payroll audits by providing required documentation and data.


• Maintain and update payroll systems (AFAS and MANUS), ensuring data accuracy and compliance.


• Collaborate closely with People Operations and store management to ensure smooth payroll processing.


• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, accuracy, and efficiency.

Required Skills

• Mandatory fluent in Dutch and English (written and spoken)


• Mandatory strong knowledge of Dutch payroll, tax legislation and pension regulations.


• Proven experience in owning dutch payroll operations end to end, not only executing tasks.


• AFAS payroll experience


• Experience with MANUS or similar time & attendance systems is a strong plus.


• Experience with Workday or Dayforce is a big plus.


• Strong Excel skills and analytical mindset.


• High attention to detail with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.


• Team player who can also work independently and take ownership.

What We Offer

At JD, people are at the centre of everything we do. Through the JD Foundation, colleagues can take part in charity volunteering opportunities, and we actively support wellbeing through health and engagement initiatives.

• Employee discount across JD Group brands (JD Sports, Size?, Footpatrol, HIP)


• Pension scheme


• Corporate benefits app


• 24 vacation days per year (based on full-time employment)


• International career development opportunities within the JD Group


• Discount on health insurance


• TELUS wellbeing platform


• 38-hour work week with a hybrid setup (office-based four days per week, work from home on Fridays)

Apply now and create your own path – JOIN TEAM JD