Senior Project Manager

Job Overview: Senior Project Manager

The Senior Project Manager will lead the end-to-end delivery of a complex, multi-workstream Payroll Transformation Programme, ensuring RWS Group transitions to a modern, compliant, and scalable payroll operating model. This critical role is responsible for overseeing technology implementation, process redesign, vendor management, data migration, and organisational change across multiple regions.

The successful candidate will bring proven experience delivering large-scale payroll, HRIS, or finance system programmes within a global organisation, with strong leadership, governance, and stakeholder management capabilities.

This is an 18-month contract.

About Product & Technology at RWS Group

Product & Technology plays a pivotal role in aligning RWS Group with its strategic objectives and enhancing shareholder value. This department is responsible for establishing unified standards and governance practices throughout the company. Additionally, we oversee the development and maintenance of core applications essential for the seamless operation of various functions across the organisation. We are committed to driving and executing future roadmaps that are in line with the overall strategic direction of RWS.

With a global reach, Product & Technology provides support services to over 7500 end users worldwide. We take pride in managing the information security operation and safeguarding all our assets. Our core functions encompass Enterprise & Technical Architecture, Network & Voice, Infrastructure, Service Delivery, Service Operations, Data & Analytics, Security & Quality Compliance, Transformation, Application Development, and Enterprise Platforms. With a dedicated team of over 500 staff, Product & Technology ensures a strong presence across all regions, enabling efficient and effective support to our global operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle delivery of the Payroll Transformation Programme, from initiation through to stabilisation and benefits realisation.
• Define programme scope, milestones, budget, success criteria, and governance structures.
• Ensure integrations between payroll, HR, finance, and time-tracking systems are delivered effectively.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across Technology, Finance, HR, and regional operations.
• Oversee system configuration, data cleansing, migration and validation activities.
• Manage requirements gathering and ensure high-quality functional and technical specifications.
• Coordinate user acceptance testing (UAT), parallel payroll runs, and cutover planning.
• Monitor programme risks, issues, dependencies, and ensure effective mitigation strategies.
• Maintain project documentation, including RAID logs, project plans, and decision records.
• Manage external payroll system vendors, consultants, and implementation partners.
• Ensure service partner deliverables meet contractual timelines, quality, and scope.
• Act as the primary point of contact for senior leadership and internal sponsors.
• Prepare and deliver clear, executive-level reporting on progress, risks, and decisions required.
• Develop and oversee the change, training, and communication plan for impacted teams.
• Support adoption by ensuring new processes, controls, and governance structures are embedded.

Skills & Experience

• 8+ years' experience delivering large, complex projects or programmes.
• Proven experience leading payroll, HRIS, ERP, or finance system implementations.
• Strong understanding of global payroll processing, compliance, taxation, and audit requirements.
• Demonstrated competency in multi-workstream programme management.
• Exceptional stakeholder management at all levels, including C-suite.
• Strong vendor management experience with SaaS or enterprise technology providers.
• Expertise in project governance, RAID management, budgeting, and reporting.
• Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and facilitation skills.

Key skills/competency

• Payroll Transformation
• Programme Management
• HRIS Implementation
• Global Payroll Compliance
• Vendor Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Project Governance
• Data Migration
• Change Management
• Executive Reporting