At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global payroll migrations and audits while advising clients on vendor transitions.
- Company: Harbor, a leading provider of expert services in strategy and technology.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, growth opportunities, and exposure to international projects.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to innovation and client success.
- Why this job: Shape the future of payroll transformation and make a real impact globally.
- Qualifications: Strong payroll expertise and proven project leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Harbor looking for a
Payroll Project Lead to take ownership of global payroll migrations and transformation projects.
You will lead client-facing engagements, advise organisations on transitions to global payroll vendors, and direct the delivery of global payroll audits.
You will be the primary point of accountability for the client relationship and the overall health and status of each project.
This is a senior, client-facing role suited to someone who combines deep payroll expertise with confident leadership and stakeholder management.
You will set the direction for each engagement, guide clients through complex transitions and audits, and ensure our work consistently meets the highest standards.
You will play a key role in shaping how we continue to develop our project delivery approach.
This is a hybrid position that offers remote work capability, with our office located in Nantwich, England.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Leadership & Delivery
- Lead end-to-end payroll migration projects, taking accountability for delivery quality, timeline and client outcomes from design through to go-live.
- Lead global payroll audits, providing structured assessment and advisory outputs that drive clear, actionable recommendations for clients.
- Advise clients on vendor selection, migration strategy and transition planning for moves to global payroll platforms such as Cloud Pay, ADP, Papaya and Deel.
- Own the overall project status, driving governance, managing risks and issues, tracking decisions and maintaining clear and timely communication with all stakeholders.
- Prepare, review and oversee data migration workbooks, current-state and future-state process documentation, and all key project deliverables.
- Translate complex technical and vendor requirements into clear, actionable guidance for clients at all levels of seniority.
- Integration & System Work
- Lead payroll and HR system integration workstreams, setting direction for technical teams and ensuring integration requirements are correctly translated and delivered.
- Chair technical design discussions with vendors and client IT teams, driving decisions and ensuring clarity and accountability on all sides.
- Client Relationship Management
- Own the client relationship as the primary point of contact throughout each engagement, ensuring clients feel informed, supported and confident in the direction of the project.
- Manage senior stakeholder relationships, building trust, navigating challenge and representing Harbor's values in every interaction.
- Governance & GL
- Lead on governance, compliance and general ledger (GL) requirements as part of migration and transformation engagements, ensuring outputs meet both client and regulatory expectations.
Essential Qualifications
- Strong payroll technical expertise across UK and/or multi-jurisdictional payroll, with the ability to advise confidently on compliance, process design and vendor capability.
- Proven experience leading payroll migrations, global payroll audits or significant payroll transformation programmes.
- Excellent client relationship management skills, with the confidence and gravitas to lead senior stakeholder conversations and manage expectations effectively.
- Strong project leadership capability — able to hold accountability for overall project health, manage competing priorities and drive delivery across complex, multi-workstream programmes.
- Deep understanding of global payroll vendors (such as Cloud Pay, ADP, Papaya, Deel) and the ability to provide informed, independent advisory to clients on vendor selection and implementation approach.
Desirable
- Experience operating within a payroll consultancy, managed services or outsourcing environment.
- Hands-on exposure to HRIS and payroll platforms such as Workday, SAP Success Factors, Oracle, ADP or similar.
- Formal project management training or qualification (e. g. PRINCE2, PMP, Agile) is advantageous but not required.
What We Offer
- Flexible, supportive environment with learning and growth opportunities.
- A chance to shape the role around your strengths and interests.
- Work across global projects with exposure to international payroll and systems.
About Us
Harbor is the preeminent provider of expert services across strategy, legal technology, operations, and intelligence.
Our globally integrated team of 900+ strategists, technologists, and specialists navigate alongside our clients – leading law firms, corporations, and their law departments – to provide essential resources and invaluable insights.
Anchored in a rich heritage of deep knowledge, steadfast relationships, and mutual respect, our unwavering dedication lies in shaping the future of the legal industry and fostering enduring partnerships within our community and ecosystem.
Harbor is an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, national origin, ancestry, age, parental status, disabled status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, in accordance with applicable law.
Payroll Project Lead employer: Harbor
At Harbor, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and well-being. Our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing our Private Chefs with opportunities for professional growth while working in the vibrant London area. With a focus on wellness and personalized nutrition, we offer a supportive environment where your culinary talents can truly shine, making a meaningful impact on our clients' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Project Lead
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Harbor!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Harbor.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Project Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Harbor. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Harbor and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Harbor. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Harbor's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harbor
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Harbor.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Harbor will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Harbor and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
