Payroll Project Specialist

Network Plus; Wigan; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Plus is seeking an experienced Payroll project Specialist to support the delivery of payroll transformation initiatives across the organisation. You will work hands-on with ADP, Civica and Sage, leading data migration, cleansing, and validation to ensure accurate, compliant payroll transitions.

You will collaborate with HR, Finance and IT teams, document processes, conduct testing and UAT, and support change management to handover to BAU payroll teams.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of UK payroll legislation and payroll best practice.
• Hands-on experience with ADP, Civica & Sage payroll systems.
• Proven experience in data migration, including cleansing, mapping and validation.

Responsibilities

• Payroll system migration, lead and support end to end migration activities across ADP, Civica, sage including data extraction cleansing mapping validation and reconciliation
• Data analysis & preparation – review, audit, and prepare payroll datasets for migration ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Process documentation, create clear “as-is” and “to-be” process maps. Workflows, and procedural documentation
• Testing & UAT, coordinate and execute payroll testing, cycles, parallel runs, defect resolution, and statutory calculation checks
• Stakeholder engagement, working closely with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to ensure project alignment and smooth delivery
• System configuration, support system configuration of payroll rules, pay elements, GL mapping, and integrations with HRIS/ERP systems
• Compliance & Controls, ensure payroll processes meet HMRC legislation, RTI requirements, pensions regulations, internal governance standards
• Change management, Assist with training, communication, and handover to BAU payroll teams

Skills

UK payroll knowledge

Data migration

Stakeholder communication

Process improvement

Tools

ADP

Civica

Sage

Job description

Description

We are seeking an experienced Payroll project Specialist to support the delivery of payroll transformation initiatives across the organisation. This role is ideal for someone with hands-on experience in ADP, Civica, Sage, and proven capability in data migration, system implementation and process improvement. You will play a key part in modernising our payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and seamless transition into new systems and ways of working.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape and improve payroll processes across the organisation
• Exposure to major payroll systems and transformation projects
• Collaborative working environment with HR, Finance and IT teams
• Professional development and training opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll system migration, lead and support end to end migration activities across ADP, Civica, sage including data extraction cleansing mapping validation and reconciliation
• Data analysis & preparation – review, audit, and prepare payroll datasets for migration ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Process documentation, create clear “as-is” and “to-be” process maps. Workflows, and procedural documentation
• Testing & UAT, coordinate and execute payroll testing, cycles, parallel runs, defect resolution, and statutory calculation checks
• Stakeholder engagement, working closely with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to ensure project alignment and smooth delivery
• System configuration, support system configuration of payroll rules, pay elements, GL mapping, and integrations with HRIS/ERP systems
• Compliance & Controls, ensure payroll processes meet HMRC legislation, RTI requirements, pensions regulations, internal governance standards
• Change management, Assist with training, communication, and handover to BAU payroll teams

Experience and Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of UK payroll legislation and payroll best practice
• Hands on experience with ADP, Civica & Sage payroll systems
• Proven experience in data migration, including cleansing, mapping and validation
• Confident working with large datasets and excel
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical details into clear guidance
• Experience supporting system implementations or payroll transformation projects
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary based on experience along with a full benefits package.

Network Plus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

We are Armed Forces-friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

We understand that privacy and the security of your personal information is extremely important. By applying for this role, you agree to the terms of our privacy policy.

About Network Plus

Network Plus is an award-winning business delivering essential utility and infrastructure services for the UK’s major providers of gas, power, telecoms, transport, water, and wastewater.

We value the variety of experience, perspective, and other points of difference our workforce, clients, and supply chain offer.

We are actively working with colleagues across the Network Plus Group to develop an inclusive environment - we want all our employees to feel valued and included to enable everyone to thrive at work and understand the value of their contribution matters no matter their background, identity, or circumstances.