Payroll Data Lead (Global Programme)
Location: Reading or Dublin (hybrid)
Duration: Initial 6 Months
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.
Essential Skills
- 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.
Desirable
- 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.