Global Payroll Implementation Lead - 12/18 Months FTC

We 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 Responsibilities You 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 forumsImplementation & 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 globallyGovernance & 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 standardsData, 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 phaseTransition to BAU • Manage transition into steady-state operations • Define service governance, SLAs, KPIs and operating model • Ensure effective knowledge transfer and handoverSkills & Experience We 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 Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates