Payroll ( Workday Implementation Lead

Payroll Implementation Lead Contractor
- Workday/ Cloud Pay

Company: Confidential

Role

Title:

Payroll Implementation Project Manager, People and Culture

Contract Type: Contract – 1 YEAR

Reporting to: Director, Operations and Systems

Location: New York – Hybrid role, onsite when required

Role

Purpose:

The Payroll Implementation Project Manager is responsible for leading the payroll system implementation project. This role manages the full project lifecycle – from planning and requirements gathering through configuration, testing, deployment, and post‑go live support. Ensuring payroll is accurate, efficient and fully compliant with all regulatory standards.

• 5+ years of hands‑on Workday and Cloud Pay configuration experience.
• Should have experience with multiple Payroll providers.
• Strong global payroll and compliance background.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects involving multiple work streams and significant change management.
• Proven experience improving Payroll Systems.
• Experienced Subject Matter Expertise on payroll processing, testing, troubleshooting and hands‑on support for system enhancements and upgrades.
• Comfortable working with third‑party payroll providers.
• Experience in developing a change management approach for an organization.
• Excellent analytical skills with good attention to detail (Expert level skills in Excel).
• Experience in process management, mapping, and optimization.
• Commitment to listening and working with humility; ways of working that are respectful to all people; and that support space and voice for all diverse perspectives in our workplace.
• Flexibility to be on‑site in local office as required.

• 5+ years of experience managing global payroll projects for mid to large‑size organizations.
• Workday certification.
• Managed a minimum of 3 payroll projects.
• Experience in running end‑to‑end global payroll.

As Payroll Implementation Project Manager your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Lead the offboarding from legacy payroll system, data migration, stakeholder and risk management, project documentation, and post‑migration validation.

• Develop and manage end‑to‑end project plans, define scope, manage timelines, resources and third‑party vendors.

• Lead configuration and adoption of the new payroll software and integrations working closely with the HRIS team.

• Create and manage the full testing lifecycle including UAT and working to ensure testing scenarios are clearly documented.

• Analyse existing workflows and implement efficient new procedures, working closely with the payroll team.

• Working with the payroll provider, ensure payroll is deployed in compliance with all local regulatory and tax laws.

• Actively identify risk and create mitigation strategies. Ensure implementation of strategies.

• Create all documentation including mapping, configuration, processes and training materials.

• Communicate with senior leaders and key stakeholders in HR, IT and Finance.

• Produce project plan and regular reporting through Asana (project management tool).

• Provide post‑implementation support to stabilize payroll processes.