Implementation Manager

Papaya Global; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Papaya Global is seeking an experienced Implementation Manager to lead client onboarding and end-to-end deployment of our payroll platform in the Americas. You will collaborate with product, support, and engineering teams to deliver tailored solutions, migrate data, and perform thorough testing before go-live.

The role emphasizes applying AI-powered workflows to improve onboarding speed, customer experience, and scalable processes across multiple clients.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years in a customer-facing role, preferably SaaS or payroll/HR tech.
• 3-5+ years of payroll implementation or processing experience in the Americas.
• Strong understanding of service models like PEO, EOR, ASO, AOR, and contingent workforce solutions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple client projects from discovery to go-live.
• Hands-on experience building AI-powered workflows or no/low-code automations.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end client onboarding, including discovery, platform configuration, data migration, testing, and go-live support.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans with milestones and deadlines.
• Collaborate with client stakeholders to understand payroll requirements and tailor solutions.
• Maintain proactive communication with clients throughout implementation.
• Identify risks early and implement mitigation strategies for successful delivery.
• Leverage AI-powered workflows to streamline onboarding, tracking, communications, and reporting.

Skills

Project management

Customer-facing

Analytical thinking

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

JIRA

Asana

Monday.com

Microsoft Project

Job description

Papaya Global is a rapidly growing, award-winning B2B tech unicorn with an ambitious mission to revolutionise the payroll & payments industry. With over $400M raised from multiple tier-one investors, our innovative technology provides a comprehensive solution for managing global workforces, encompassing everything from hiring and onboarding to managing and paying employees in over 160 countries.

We are seeking a highly motivated Implementation Manager to join our Client Services team. In this role, you’ll act as the primary point of contact for new clients, guiding them through every phase of the implementation process - from initial discovery to go-live. Success in this role requires exceptional project management skills, a detail-oriented mindset, and a passion for helping clients unlock the full value of our platform.

The ideal candidate also has an AI-builder mindset and is able to leverage AI-powered workflows and automations to improve implementation efficiency, customer experience, and operational processes.

Key Responsibilities

Client Onboarding & Project Management

• Lead end-to-end client onboarding, including initial discovery, platform configuration, data migration, testing, and go-live support.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met across all phases of the implementation.
• Collaborate with client stakeholders to understand business needs and payroll requirements, tailoring solutions accordingly.
• Maintain consistent, proactive communication with clients throughout the implementation journey.
• Identify risks or blockers early and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project delivery.
• Leverage AI-powered workflows and automations to streamline onboarding activities, project tracking, customer communications, documentation, and implementation reporting.

Problem Solving & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams - Product, Account Management, Support, and Engineering to resolve issues and deliver optimal client outcomes.
• Implement solutions to recurring challenges and contribute to process improvements that enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to use AI tools and automations to improve collaboration, issue resolution, and communication across implementation teams.

Process Optimization & Feedback Loops

• Collect client feedback and analyze implementation trends to inform continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Product and Implementation Leadership to suggest enhancements based on client pain points, product limitations, or process bottlenecks.
• Proactively identify gaps in onboarding workflows and propose innovative tools or approaches to improve client outcomes.
• Design and implement AI-driven workflows or no/low-code automations that reduce repetitive manual work and improve the scalability and efficiency of implementation processes.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all implementations adhere to regional and international payroll compliance requirements.
• Maintain detailed documentation for each project, including requirements, configurations, workflows, and outcomes.
• Leverage AI tools to improve documentation, knowledge management, reporting, and information accessibility while ensuring accuracy and appropriate human oversight.
• Facilitate a structured handover to Account Management and Customer Success teams post-implementation.

Why Papaya Global?

• Join a rapidly growing, mission-driven company at the forefront of global payroll innovation.
• Work with a dynamic team passionate about redefining how businesses manage global talent.
• Enjoy a flexible work environment, competitive compensation, and a culture that values growth, collaboration, and impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 3-5+ years in a customer-facing role, preferably in SaaS or payroll/HR tech environments.
• 3-5+ years of experience with payroll implementation or processing in the Americas.
• Solid understanding of service models such as PEO, EOR, ASO, AOR, and contingent workforce solutions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple client projects simultaneously from discovery to go-live.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to issue resolution.
• Excellent time-management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-centric mindset with outstanding relationship-building capabilities.
• Experience in Change Management and continuous improvement practices.
• Hands-on experience building AI-powered workflows, automations, or custom AI solutions that improve implementation processes, customer onboarding, project management, reporting, or operational efficiency.
• Experience creating AI-driven workflows, agents, or no/low-code automations that are integrated into day-to-day work processes and improve team productivity.
• Ability to identify opportunities for AI adoption and implement practical solutions that improve implementation scalability, customer experience, and operational efficiency.

Technical & Project Management Expertise

• Proficiency with payroll software platforms and HRIS/ERP systems.
• Strong understanding of data migration, system integration, and platform configuration.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams for resolution.
• Experience managing multiple, concurrent implementation projects with excellent project planning skills.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as JIRA, Asana, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels, from payroll administrators to senior leadership.
• Strong client-facing presence and the ability to manage expectations with empathy and confidence.