Technical Project Manager (Payroll)

Job Purpose The Senior Project Manager will lead the end‑to‑end delivery of a complex, multi‑workstream Payroll Transformation Programme, ensuring the organisation transitions to a modern, compliant, and scalable payroll operating model. This is a hands-on role, responsible for directly driving technology implementation, process redesign, third-party provider management, data migration, and organisational change across multiple regions. As a mid-programme appointment, the successful candidate will take ownership of an in-flight programme and strengthen its governance and documentation from day one. The successful candidate will bring proven experience delivering large-scale payroll, HRIS, or finance system programmes within a global organisation, with strong leadership, governance, documentation, and stakeholder management capabilities, and a proven record of managing third-party providers. About Product & Technology Product & Technology plays a pivotal role in aligning the organization with its strategic objectives and enhancing shareholder value. Product & Technology is responsible for establishing unified standards and governance practices throughout the company. Additionally, we oversee the development and maintenance of core applications essential for the seamless operation of various functions across the organization. We are committed to driving and executing future roadmaps that are in line with the overall strategic direction of RWS. With a global reach, Product & Technology provides support services to over 7500 end users worldwide. We take pride in managing the information security operation and safeguarding all our assets. Our core functions encompass Enterprise & Technical Architecture, Network & Voice, Infrastructure, Service Delivery, Service Operations, Data & Analytics, Security & Quality Compliance, Transformation, Application Development, Enterprise Platforms, With a dedicated team of over 500 staff, Product & Technology ensures a strong presence across all regions, enabling efficient and effective support to our global operations. Job Overview Key Responsibilities Lead the full lifecycle delivery of the Payroll Transformation Programme, taking over a programme where initiation is complete and completing the phases still in design and planning through to stabilisation and benefits realisation. Work hands-on in the detail of delivery, including plan updates, workstream check-ins, and issue resolution, rather than through reporting alone. Re-baseline programme scope, milestones, budget, and success criteria for the remaining phases, and confirm governance structures are in place and operating. Ensure integrations between payroll, HR, finance, and time‑tracking systems are delivered effectively. Drive cross-functional alignment across Technology, Finance, HR, and regional operations. Oversee system configuration, data cleansing, migration and validation activities. Complete requirements gathering and ensure high-quality functional and technical specifications for the phases still in design and planning. Coordinate user acceptance testing (UAT), parallel payroll runs, and cutover planning. Monitor programme risks, issues, dependencies, and ensure effective mitigation strategies. Review existing programme governance documentation against the required standard, and maintain RAID logs, project plans, decision records, and an audit-ready trail of approvals. Own the day-to-day management of external payroll system vendors, consultants, and implementation partners, including SOW tracking, escalations, and regular performance reviews. Hold service partners to contractual timelines, quality, and scope through SLAs, milestone acceptance, and formal change control. Act as the primary point of contact for senior leadership and internal sponsors. Prepare and deliver clear, executive-level reporting on progress, risks, and decisions required. Develop and oversee the change, training, and communication plan for impacted teams. Support adoption by ensuring new processes, controls, and governance structures are embedded. Skills & Experience 8+ years' experience delivering large, complex projects or programmes. Proven experience leading payroll, HRIS, ERP, or finance system implementations. Strong understanding of global payroll processing, compliance, taxation, and audit requirements. Demonstrated competency in multi-workstream programme management. Experience taking over and stabilising a programme part-way through delivery, including re-planning phases that are in design and planning. Hands-on delivery capability, comfortable working directly in plans, configurations, and test activity rather than only at steering-committee level. Exceptional stakeholder management at all levels, including C‑suite. Proven experience managing third-party providers (SaaS, enterprise technology, and implementation partners), including contract, SLA, and performance management. Expertise in project governance, documentation standards, RAID management, budgeting, and reporting. Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and facilitation skills. Life at RWS Life at RWS