At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting digital transformation projects, focusing on new HR and Payroll systems.
- Company: Join ZSL, a pioneering conservation charity with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while shaping the future of our people systems.
- Qualifications: Experience in system implementation and project management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
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.
Key responsibilities:
- 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.
About You
- 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.
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. ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented 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.
About Us
We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
What do we offer?
- 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.
We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application. If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at – [email protected]
Project Manager - HRIS Implementation Lead in London employer: ZSL
ZSL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts while being part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ZSL fosters a supportive work culture that encourages personal and professional growth. Employees benefit from generous pension contributions, ample annual leave, and access to various wellbeing initiatives, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of wildlife conservation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - HRIS Implementation Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at ZSL or have experience with HRIS implementations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into ZSL’s mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our conservation goals and how you can contribute to the People Systems transformation. We love candidates who are passionate about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your project management skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led similar projects. We want to hear about your planning, coordination, and how you tackled challenges during implementation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at this exciting time.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - HRIS Implementation Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with HRIS or payroll systems. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since this role is all about leading projects, don’t forget to emphasise your understanding of project management methodologies. Share specific examples of how you've successfully delivered similar projects in the past.
Be Authentic:We love seeing your personality shine through! Don’t hesitate to share your passion for conservation and how it connects to your professional journey. It helps us understand who you are beyond your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZSL
✨Know Your Systems
Make sure you have a solid understanding of HRIS, VMS, and LMS systems. Familiarise yourself with their functionalities and how they can impact employee experience. This will show your potential employer that you're not just a project manager, but someone who understands the tools that drive transformation.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific methodologies you've used in past projects. Whether it's Agile, Waterfall, or something else, highlight how these frameworks helped you deliver successful outcomes. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to manage timelines, risks, and stakeholder expectations.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight your relationship-building skills and how you've influenced others without direct authority—this is key for a role that involves aligning stakeholders.
✨Prepare for User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Since UAT is a critical part of the role, brush up on your experience with testing processes. Be ready to discuss how you've planned and executed UAT in previous projects, including how you managed feedback and resolved defects. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and attention to detail.
