Payroll & Workforce Management Project Lead

Department: FinanceLocation: Queen Street - Management (NQS)DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Payroll and Workforce Management Project Lead to support the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and go-live preparation phases of a Dayforce implementation across Australia and New Zealand. With the design and configuration phases completed, this role focuses on validating the solution, managing UAT activities, leading parallel payroll testing, and ensuring robust operational readiness through documentation and SOP development. and ensuring a successful go-live — including hyper care support to stabilise operations post-implementationKey ResponsibilitiesLead UAT planning and execution across Australia and New Zealand payroll and workforce management processes.Collaborate with stakeholders to develop detailed test scripts, scenarios, and acceptance criteria – despite limited involvement in the design phase.Coordinate with business users, technical teams, and vendor (Dayforce) to ensure testing coverage and traceability.Manage test defect logging, triage, and resolution, ensuring timely feedback loops.Oversee and support parallel payroll runs, reconciling results to ensure accuracy between legacy and new systems.Identify and address discrepancies, liaising with internal payroll teams, HR, Finance, and external vendor support.Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for end-users, including payroll processing, exception handling, reporting, and workforce management tasks.Contribute to go-live readiness planning, ensuring handover processes are clearly defined.Support change management activities including training preparation and business communications as needed.Ensure compliance with local legislation and business policies across both AU and NZ entities.Provide hyper care support post go-live, including:First-line issue triage and resolutionWorking with technical teams and Dayforce support to escalate and resolve issuesMonitoring system stability and payroll accuracySupporting business users through the transition periodWe would like to meet someone withProven experience leading or supporting Dayforce (Ceridian) implementations or similar systems, ideally in a regional or multi-country context.Strong understanding of end-to-end payroll processes, compliance, and legislation in Australia and New Zealand.Demonstrated ability to write test scripts and lead UAT, particularly in scenarios where upfront design engagement was limited.Hands-on experience with parallel payroll testing and reconciliation methodologies.Excellent problem-solving and stakeholder management skills in fast-paced project environments.Experience developing SOPs, work instructions, or training guides for payroll and WFM systems.Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently while coordinating across multiple time zones and teams.Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.BenefitsCompetitive salary and benefits packageHybrid working, 3 days in London based office & 2 working from homeHoliday allowance50% staff discount & 25% for family and friendsPension scheme