Payroll Data Lead

Primark; Reading; On-site; GBP 89,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Primark is seeking a Payroll Data Lead to steer the end-to-end migration from the incumbent payroll provider to a new platform. You will own the payroll data workstream, directing extraction, cleansing, mapping and validation across Workday, UKG and the new system.

The role requires governance aligned with GDPR and payroll regulations, plus strong stakeholder engagement with Payroll, HR, Technology and Finance to ensure smooth cutover and accurate reporting.

Qualifications

• Experience leading payroll data migrations or payroll transformation programmes.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, data structures and operations.
• Hands-on experience with Workday and UKG.

Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll data migration strategy, plans, timelines, and delivery.
• Perform validation, reconciliation, and quality checks on data.
• Map data between legacy systems, UKG, Workday, and the new provider.
• Execute mock migrations, testing cycles, and final cutover.
• Identify and resolve data discrepancies and risks.
• Support UAT, parallel runs, and payroll validation.
• Establish data governance aligned with GDPR and payroll regulations.
• Work closely with Payroll, HR, Technology, Finance and external suppliers.

Skills

Data migration

Data analysis

Data cleansing

Data mapping

Workday

UKG

Payroll platforms

Stakeholder management

Governance & GDPR

Testing & cutover

Tools

Workday

UKG

Payroll platforms

Job description

Contract Type: Day Rate (Inside IR35 if UK based)

About the Role

We’re recruiting a Payroll Data Lead to manage the end-to-end migration from an incumbent payroll provider to a new provider. You’ll lead the payroll data workstream, ensuring accurate extraction, mapping, cleansing, validation, and migration across multiple systems including Workday, UKG, and the new payroll platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Data migration leadership - Own the payroll data migration strategy, plans, timelines, and delivery.
• Data analysis & cleansing - Perform detailed validation, reconciliation, and quality checks.
• Data mapping - Map data between legacy systems, UKG, Workday, and the new provider.
• Migration cycles - Execute mock migrations, testing cycles, and final cutover.
• Issue resolution - Identify and resolve data discrepancies and risks.
• Testing support - Support UAT, parallel runs, and payroll validation.
• Governance & compliance - Build strong data controls aligned with GDPR and payroll regulations.
• Stakeholder engagement - Work closely with Payroll, HR, Technology, Finance, and external suppliers.
• Proven experience leading payroll data migrations or payroll transformation programmes.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, data structures, and operations.
• Hands-on experience with Workday, UKG, and payroll platforms.
• Demonstrable experience in complex data mapping, cleansing, transformation, and reconciliation.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience supporting testing, parallel runs, and cutover activities.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Experience managing risks, issues, dependencies, and timelines.
• Experience in global or multi-country payroll transformations.
• Background working with outsourced payroll providers.
• Knowledge of payroll compliance, GDPR, and data governance.
• Experience with reporting or data analysis tools.
• Project delivery or data management certifications.
• Experience with UKG and/or Workday data mapping.