Payroll Data Lead

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.