Full job descriptionWe are working with a leading global organisation to appoint a Global Payroll & Benefits Implementation Lead to deliver a large scale transformation programme.
Location: London (Hybrid - 3 days in office)
Contract Type: 12 - 18 months FTC (Programme role)
Salary: £100K+ (+bonuses)


This is a critical role responsible for implementing a global payroll managed service and a global benefits platform, moving from a decentralised model to a consistent, controlled, and scalable global solution.
You will lead a complex, multi country programme and play a key role in shaping the future of payroll and benefits delivery across the organisation.
Key ResponsibilitiesYou will be accountable for the end to end programme delivery, including:
Programme Leadership*Lead the delivery of the global payroll managed service and benefits platform implementation
*Define programme strategy, scope, delivery approach and governance framework
*Establish and manage programme plans, RAID logs, reporting and steering forums
Implementation & Delivery*Oversee full lifecycle delivery: design, build, testing, parallel runs, go live and stabilisation
*Lead supplier mobilisation and hold vendors accountable to milestones, deliverables and quality standards
*Deliver a phased country rollout, starting with the UK and expanding globally
Governance & Risk*Establish robust governance structures, controls and decision-making processes
*Manage programme risks, dependencies and issues, ensuring timely escalation and resolution
*Ensure all processes are audit-ready and compliant with regulatory and corporate standards
Data, Integration & Controls*Oversee payroll data readiness, validation and migration
*Own integration delivery across HR systems, finance outputs and third-party providers
*Ensure strong financial and operational controls (reconciliations, approvals, audit evidence)
Stakeholder & Supplier Management*Collaborate across People, Finance, IT, Tax, Risk and external vendors
*Engage senior stakeholders, providing clear reporting, insights and recommendations
*Coordinate global and local teams to ensure readiness for each rollout phase
Transition to BAU*Manage transition into steady-state operations
*Define service governance, SLAs, KPIs and operating model
*Ensure effective knowledge transfer and handover
Skills & ExperienceWe are looking for a proven programme leader with:
*Significant experience delivering global payroll transformations and/or benefits platform implementations
*Track record of managing complex, multi-country programmes and phased rollouts
*Strong understanding of global payroll operations, controls, compliance and risk
*Experience working with managed service providers and third-party vendors
*Knowledge of HR and payroll systems (e.g. Workday) and integration landscapes
*Strong programme delivery expertise including planning, RAID, cutover and governance
*Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
*Experience operating in regulated or complex corporate environments
*Strong leadership and ownership mindset
*Highly organised with attention to detail
*Commercially aware and solutions-focused
*Confident communicator with executive presence
*Able to navigate complexity and drive delivery across multiple stakeholders




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