APAC Payroll Project Manager

Location:

Fully Remote (APAC Time Zones)

Contract:

2 Year Contract // Day Rate Contract
Language Requirement:  Fluent English
We are partnering with a global organisation undergoing a large-scale Payroll Transformation Programme. As part of this strategic global initiative, they are seeking a  APAC Payroll Project Manager  to lead a cluster of country implementations across the region.
This role will sit within an established in-house payroll transformation team operating under a structured global governance framework. The successful candidate will execute the regional payroll strategy, support vendor transitions, drive system implementations, and ensure payroll compliance, controls, and data integrity across multiple APAC countries.
The organisation currently operates across a complex and fragmented payroll landscape, including enterprise platforms such as Workday in the US, larger legacy systems in Europe, and smaller localised solutions across various markets.
The global transformation aims to:
Standardise payroll processes globally
Execute a new payroll operating model
Consolidate and rationalise payroll vendors
Support outsourcing for smaller markets
Drive HR and payroll data clean-up initiatives
Implement proper segregation of duties and controls
Align payroll, HCM, and Time & Attendance solutions
Strengthen compliance, reporting, and governance frameworks

The APAC Payroll Project Manager will lead regional execution aligned with global programme standards.

Key Responsibilities
Project & Programme Delivery
Lead end-to-end payroll implementation projects across multiple APAC countries
Coordinate internal stakeholders and third-party vendors for successful delivery
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget
Develop and maintain comprehensive project documentation (plans, RAID logs, status reporting)
Track performance and escalate risks and issues through established governance
Payroll Transformation & Implementation
Execute payroll strategy and system implementations across the region
Oversee payroll and HCM system reconciliation and data alignment
Drive HR and payroll data clean-up initiatives
Coordinate gathering and validation of local payroll and WFM requirements
Support vendor selection processes and implementation phases
Oversee vendor risk management reviews
Controls, Compliance & Process Optimisation
Implement global payroll procedures and segregation of duties matrices locally
Partner with Finance to standardise workflows (banking, reporting, controls)
Work with Internal Controls to embed global payroll controls into local processes
Define and implement local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Identify opportunities for process enhancements and system improvements
Stakeholder & Governance Management
Manage relationships with regional and global programme stakeholders
Partner with Workstream Leads to ensure consistency across geographies
Ensure resource allocation and alignment across functional teams
Prepare training plans and support system security audits
Provide structured reporting into the global payroll transformation leadership
Required Experience
6+ years’ experience in payroll transformation and/or payroll project management
Proven experience managing multi-country payroll implementations (APAC essential)
Strong payroll system implementation experience
Experience working across multiple payroll vendor platforms
HCM system knowledge (Workday preferred)

Experience with payroll data migration and data clean-up initiatives
Knowledge of Time & Attendance systems
Strong understanding of payroll controls, governance, and segregation of duties
Experience operating within structured PMO environments
Skills & Competencies
Fluent English (mandatory)
Strong stakeholder management skills across global teams
Analytical and detail-oriented mindset
Able to work independently within a remote structure
Comfortable in governance-heavy environments
Highly organised, accountable, and delivery-focused
Proficient with Microsoft project tools
Nice to have:

Experience with ticketing systems such as Service Now
Additional Information
Fully remote role aligned to APAC time zones (location flexible)
Occasional onsite attendance welcome if geographically feasible
Engagement via external payroll provider (day rate contract)
Programme commitment through December 2027
Two-stage interview process with Payroll Transformation leadership