Payroll ( Workday) Implementation Lead

LevelUP HCS; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm is seeking a Payroll Implementation Project Manager for a hybrid role in New York. This position involves leading the implementation of a payroll system, managing complex projects with a focus on compliance, and ensuring efficient operations. Ideal candidates should have over 5 years of experience in Workday and CloudPay configurations, alongside strong project management skills. The role requires collaboration with various teams and stakeholders, making it essential to thrive in a dynamic, respectful workplace.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on Workday and CloudPay configuration experience.
• Experience managing global payroll projects for mid to large-size organizations.
• Managed a minimum of 3 payroll projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the offboarding from legacy payroll system and data migration.
• Develop and manage end-to-end project plans, defining scope and resources.
• Work with payroll provider to ensure compliance with local tax laws.

Skills

Workday configuration

CloudPay configuration

Global payroll compliance

Project management

Analytical skills

Process management

Education

Workday certification

Tools

Excel

Asana

Job description

Payroll Implementation Lead Contractor- Workday/ CloudPay

Company: Confidential

Role Title: Payroll Implementation Project Manager, People and Culture

Contract Type: Contract – 1 YEAR

Reporting to: Director, Operations and Systems

Location: New York – Hybrid role, onsite when required

Role Purpose:

The Payroll Implementation Project Manager is responsible for leading the payroll system implementation project. This role manages the full project lifecycle – from planning and requirements gathering through configuration, testing, deployment, and post‑go live support. Ensuring payroll is accurate, efficient and fully compliant with all regulatory standards.

What our client is looking for:

• 5+ years of hands‑on Workday and CloudPay configuration experience.
• Should have experience with multiple Payroll providers.
• Strong global payroll and compliance background.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects involving multiple workstreams and significant change management.
• Proven experience improving Payroll Systems.
• Experienced Subject Matter Expertise on payroll processing, testing, troubleshooting and hands‑on support for system enhancements and upgrades.
• Comfortable working with third‑party payroll providers.
• Experience in developing a change management approach for an organization.
• Excellent analytical skills with good attention to detail (Expert level skills in Excel).
• Experience in process management, mapping, and optimization.
• Commitment to listening and working with humility; ways of working that are respectful to all people; and that support space and voice for all diverse perspectives in our workplace.
• Flexibility to be on‑site in local office as required.

Required

• 5+ years of experience managing global payroll projects for mid to large‑size organizations.
• Workday certification.
• Managed a minimum of 3 payroll projects.
• Experience in running end‑to‑end global payroll.

Key Responsibilities:

As Payroll Implementation Project Manager your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Lead the offboarding from legacy payroll system, data migration, stakeholder and risk management, project documentation, and post‑migration validation.

• Develop and manage end‑to‑end project plans, define scope, manage timelines, resources and third‑party vendors.

• Lead configuration and adoption of the new payroll software and integrations working closely with the HRIS team.

• Create and manage the full testing lifecycle including UAT and working to ensure testing scenarios are clearly documented.

• Analyse existing workflows and implement efficient new procedures, working closely with the payroll team.

• Working with the payroll provider, ensure payroll is deployed in compliance with all local regulatory and tax laws.

• Actively identify risk and create mitigation strategies. Ensure implementation of strategies.

• Create all documentation including mapping, configuration, processes and training materials.

• Communicate with senior leaders and key stakeholders in HR, IT and Finance.

• Produce project plan and regular reporting through Asana (project management tool).

• Provide post‑implementation support to stabilize payroll processes.