SAP S/4HANA HR & Payroll Lead Job Details | TransAlta

TransAlta; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

TransAlta is looking for an SAP S/4HANA HR & Payroll Lead to drive optimization initiatives within a newly upgraded environment. The ideal candidate will have significant SAP experience, proven problem-solving skills, and a strong background in HR compliance. This is a full-time position based in Calgary with a hybrid work schedule, offering competitive salary and attractive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual and long-term incentives

Company-matching pension plan

Flexible health benefits

Generous vacation and personal days

Learning and development programs

Employee recognition and rewards

Annual wellness allowance

Qualifications

• 8+ years total SAP HCM experience, with minimum 3+ years on S/4HANA HCM.
• Proven experience in optimization and stabilization in newly upgraded environments.
• Strong background in payroll and benefits administration in Canada and the US.

Responsibilities

• Lead optimization and stabilization initiatives for SAP S/4HANA modules.
• Coordinate complex HR projects and develop a 3-year business roadmap.
• Provide Level 3 support for complex HR and Payroll issues.

Skills

Post-upgrade optimization

Payroll processing

HR compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or Information Technology

SAP HCM certification

S/4HANA certification (preferred)

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

SuccessFactors

Job description

SAP S/4HANA Human Resources & Payroll Lead

WHO WE ARE

Our Power, Your Possibilities

At TransAlta, we don’t justgenerate electricity-we generate opportunity. As one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, we’ve been powering communities for over 100 years across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Our diverse energy portfolio and passionate team are driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

We believe in the power of purpose, the strength of collaboration, and the value of continuous learning. If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic industry, you bring the energy and we’ll provide the platform.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re looking for a SAP S/4HANA HR & Payroll Lead to join our IT Team on a full time basis. In this role, you’ll report to the IT Solutions Manager - ERP and play a key part in optimization and stabilization initiatives for our freshly upgraded S/4HANA On RISE environment. This role requires proven experience with post-upgrade optimization, coordinating with outsourced vendor teams, and driving continuous improvement in newly implemented S/4HANA systems.

This position is based at our Downtown Calgary Head Office, with the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead post-upgrade optimization and stabilization initiatives for SAP S/4HANA HCM and Payroll modules in our newly upgraded environment
• Coordinate complex HR projects with outsourced development teams and internal stakeholders for customizations and integrations
• Develop comprehensive 3-year roadmap aligned with post-upgrade business transformation goals

Operational Excellence:

• Recommend and support business process reengineering initiatives leveraging S/4HANA capabilities
• Implement optimization and automation opportunities
• Provide Level 3 support and escalation resolution for complex HR and Payroll issues

Technical Leadership:

• • Lead configuration and customization efforts for S/4HANA HCM modules (PA, OM, Time, Payroll)
  • Oversee integration testing between S/4HANA and SuccessFactors
  • Design and implement data validation and audit controls for payroll accuracy
  • Support system updates and patch management activities

ABOUT YOU

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Information Technology, or related field
• 8+ years total SAP HCM experience with minimum 3+ years hands-on S/4HANA HCM
• CRITICAL: Proven experience with S/4HANA post-upgrade optimization, stabilization, and continuous improvement in newly upgraded environments
• Strong background in payroll processing, benefits administration, and HR compliance in Canada and the United States.
• SAP HCM certification required; S/4HANA certification preferred

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Canadian and US HR compliance requirements
• Experience with SuccessFactors integration scenarios
• Advanced SAP BTP and API management certifications
• Experience with Workday

THE PERKS

• Competitive salary
• Annual and long-term incentives available for select roles
• Company-matching pension plan
• Flexible health benefits for you and your family
• Generous vacation and personal days
• Learning and development programs
• Employee recognition and rewards
• Annual wellness allowance

Explore our Employee Experience Booklet on our Careers site to see how we support your growth and wellbeing www.transalta.com/careers

OUR CULTURE

At TransAlta, we’re driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging - creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we’re committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

Ready to Power Up With Us? Excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement? We still encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every single qualification. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. ‘Safety sensitive positions’ will be required to complete pre-employment testing.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.