Global Payroll Transformation Programme Manager
The Global Payroll Transformation Programme Manager is a critical role responsible for the end-to‑to‑delivery of the global payroll transformation programme under the Compass initiative. The role acts as the single point of accountability for programme execution, translating strategic direction into a structured, measurable and deliverable roadmap. Operating as a hands‑on delivery leader, the Programme Manager will bridge strategy and operational execution, driving alignment across Finance, HR, Technology and external vendors. The role will design and implement a unified global payroll operating model, ensuring consistency, resilience, and compliance while reducing risk and duplication across regions. The Programme Manager will establish robust governance, programme controls and performance frameworks, ensuring that all transformation initiatives are prioritised, delivered and measured against clearly defined outcomes and sustained business benefits. Note: This is a 12 month fixed term contract.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design, mobilisation and delivery of a comprehensive global payroll transformation programme.
* Translate the Global Process Owner’s strategy into a detailed, timebound execution roadmap with clear milestones and dependencies.
* Act as the single point of contact for programme delivery across all regions and functions.
* Design and implement a global payroll target operating model covering organisational structure, vendor strategy, governance, compliance and resilience.
* Ensure alignment with wider Finance transformation programmes, avoiding duplication or dependency conflicts.
* Establish and embed a consistent portfolio and programme management framework across all payroll initiatives.
* Provide leadership with clear visibility of programme status, priorities, risks and realised benefits.
* Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk and dependency framework, identifying and addressing high-risk areas and single points of failure.
* Implement robust governance mechanisms, including KPIs, SLAs, SOPs and Monthly Business Reviews (MBRs).
* Coordinate cross‑functional teams across Finance, HR, Technology and external payroll vendors.
* Consolidate vendor activity and improve contractual alignment and governance.
* Drive end‑to‑end programme execution from design through to implementation and business‑as‑usual adoption.
* Ensure benefits are tracked, delivered and sustained post‑implementation through continuous improvement mechanisms.
* Address fragmented payroll delivery across regions, particularly in APAC, by standardising processes and consolidating operating models.
* Enhance resilience by reducing reliance on key individuals and implementing consistent backup and continuity arrangements.
Qualifications
Essential
* Proven experience leading large‑scale, complex global transformation programmes, ideally within payroll, finance operations or shared services.
* Strong end‑to‑end programme management capability, including planning, risk management, governance and delivery execution.
* Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into executable plans and deliver measurable outcomes.
* Extensive experience building and implementing programme governance frameworks, including KPIs, SLAs and reporting structures.
* Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and align cross‑functional teams.
* Experience managing global vendor landscapes and driving vendor consolidation or optimisation initiatives.
* Risk management expertise, including identification of operational vulnerabilities and implementation of control frameworks.
* Hands‑on, delivery‑focused approach with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally.
Desired
* Direct experience in global payroll transformation, payroll delivery models or payroll product environments.
* Experience working within financial services or similarly complex, regulated environments.
* Familiarity with Global Process Owner (GPO) models and enterprise operating model transformation.
* Experience of transformation within APAC and multi‑vendor payroll environments.
* Knowledge of shared services models and offshore/nearshore delivery.
* Experience with benefits realisation frameworks and post‑implementation performance tracking.
Band / Level
* Manager / 6
Location
UK – 135 Bishopsgate – London
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