Project Manager - HRIS Implementation Lead

As ZSL celebrates its 200th year, we are undertaking an exciting organisation-wide People Systems transformation that will help shape the future of how we work, support our people, and deliver our global conservation mission. This includes the implementation of a new HR and Payroll system, alongside a Volunteer Management System (Rosterfy) and Learning Management System, forming a key part of ZSL’s wider People and Culture Plan.

This role offers the opportunity to play a central part in one of ZSL’s most significant people system programmes at a landmark moment in our history. You will lead delivery during a critical phase of the programme, ensuring new systems are successfully implemented, adopted across the organisation, and embedded into business‑as‑usual operations. Following successful delivery of the HRIS, VMS and LMS programme, the role may be extended to go on to project manage a wider portfolio of corporate systems and strategic technology developments across ZSL.

Working at the heart of the programme, you will collaborate across People, IT, Finance, and external partners to drive delivery, align stakeholders, and ensure systems and processes are user‑focused, future‑ready, and deliver meaningful organisational impact. This is a varied and hands‑on role that combines project delivery, business analysis, and change support within an established governance framework. You will take ownership of planning, coordination, and delivery management to ensure the programme is delivered on time, within scope, and to a high standard, working to modernise the employee and volunteer experience for ZSL’s next chapter.

This position is offered on an initial one‑year fixed‑term contract to support the implementation and go‑live phase of the programme, with strong potential for extension as ZSL continues to deliver further transformation and systems projects beyond this phase. The role is available on either a full‑time or part‑time basis, with a minimum commitment of 3.5 days per week.

• Project Delivery: Lead the delivery of high impact digital transformation projects, with an initial focus on implementing key People Systems including People First (HRIS), a new Volunteer Management System, and a Learning Management System. Following successful delivery, you may go on to project manage a wider portfolio of corporate systems and strategic technology developments across the organisation.
• Planning & Coordination: Own project planning and coordination, maintaining delivery plans that track milestones, dependencies, risks, issues and actions, with clear reporting and escalation where required.
• User Acceptance Testing: Plan and oversee User Acceptance Testing (UAT), including test cycles, defect management and resolution, working with business users and vendors.
• Go‑Live & Transition: Support go‑live readiness and cutover planning, ensuring a smooth transition to business‑as‑usual and contribution to post‑implementation review and stabilisation.

Demonstrable experience supporting or leading the delivery of system implementation projects, ideally HRIS or payroll systems. Strong understanding of project management methodologies and delivery frameworks. Collaborative and relationship‑driven, with the ability to influence without authority. This post is a blended role for office and home working; expectation to spend 2 days on Zoo sites, and more time on site at key project milestones.

• Our vision and purpose – you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science‑led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.
• Pension scheme – we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays.
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
• Cycle2Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
• Season ticket loan – we offer an interest‑free loan for eligible London‑based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of under‑represented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.