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We are assisting a large and highly regarded public sector organisation undertaking a full payroll and people hub transformation, and are seeking a Payroll Transition Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping the future state.

This is your chance to step into a high-impact, end-to-end transformation role—leading the move from outsourced to in-house payroll while influencing processes, controls, and capability for years to come.

Why this role stands out

• Lead a full payroll transition—not just BAU, but real transformation
• Play a key role in a major organisational change programme
• Influence the future operating model, processes, and controls
• Work across senior stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the payroll system workstream within a broader transformation programme
• Reviewing and redesigning payroll and HR processes end-to-end
• Driving the transition from outsourced to in-house payroll
• Ensuring payroll continuity, accuracy, and compliance throughout
• Leading testing, parallel runs, and go-live readiness
• Building internal capability through training, SOPs, and knowledge transfer
• Providing payroll insights across leave, variances, and compliance
• Partnering closely with stakeholders and vendors

What you’ll bring

• Strong payroll leadership transition experience in complex environments
• Proven experience delivering payroll transitions, remediation, or large-scale change
• Deep knowledge of NZ payroll legislation and compliance
• Exceptional process improvement and documentation capability
• Confidence leading workstreams and influencing stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills (advanced Excel essential)

Ideally we need:

• Experience working in large, complex or unionised environments
• Exposure to payroll remediation or similar high-risk environments
• Experience working / leading system or transformation programmes within Payroll or HRIS. 

The opportunity This is a rare chance to step into a true transformation role—one where you’re not just maintaining payroll, but rebuilding and shaping it for the future.

For a confidential discussion, contact Mike Healy on 021 337 598 or mike.healy@h2r.co.nz, or click APPLY NOW to be considered.
If you want, I can also create a short SEEK version (the punchy top section is key for response rates).