The Project Manager – Payroll Transition is responsible for leading the end-to-end transition of payroll operations from one to another vendor . This role ensures a smooth, compliant, and timely migration while minimizing disruption to employees and business operations.
- Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocations.
- Establish governance structures and reporting mechanisms.
- Act as the primary point of contact for internal teams (HR, Finance, IT) and external vendors.
- Facilitate regular status meetings and updates with stakeholders.
- Manage expectations and ensure alignment across all parties.
- Map current payroll processes and identify gaps or improvements.
- Oversee data migration, validation, and system configuration.
- Ensure compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, and data privacy standards.
- Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Resolve issues promptly to avoid project delays or payroll errors.
- Coordinate user acceptance testing (UAT) and parallel runs.
- Validate payroll accuracy and system functionality before go-live.
- Develop training and communication materials and conduct sessions for HR/payroll / internal customers .
- Support change management initiatives to ensure adoption of new processes.
- Lead go-live activities and monitor the first payroll cycles.
- Provide hypercare support and ensure a smooth handover to operations
Key Deliverables
- Project charter and plan
- Stakeholder communication plan
- Payroll process documentation (as-is and to-be)
- Data migration and validation reports
- UAT and parallel run results
- Training materials and session logs
- Go-live readiness checklist
- Post-implementation review and lessons learned
- 5+ years of project management experience, preferably in HR or payroll transitions.
- Proven track record of managing complex, cross-functional projects.
- Experience with global payroll systems (e.g., SAP, Workday, ADP, Oracle, SD Worx ) is a plus.
- Familiarity with local and international payroll compliance requirements.
- Strong project management skills (PMP, PRINCE2 certification is a plus).
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
- Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.