Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Are you an experienced Project Manager keen to try something new?
- Experienced in payroll systems and transformation programmes?
- Fixed term from asap through to approx. Dec 2026
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the Payroll Workstream within our wider Payroll and HRIS Replacement Programme.
Mō tēnei tūranga - about the role
Join a once-in-a-generation transformation at Fire and Emergency New Zealand embarking on a journey to modernise and future-proof the delivery of payroll and HR services to our people.
Reporting to the Programme Director, you will be managing the implementation of the new managed service, coordinating with multiple teams including functional, data migration, vendor partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure the new payroll system is delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards. You will be supported by 2-5 direct reports within this programme workstream.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the end-to-end delivery of the Payroll Workstream within the overall Payroll and HRIS Replacement Programme
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, risk and issue logs specific to payroll activities
- Manage relationships and coordinate activities with the external payroll vendor for the managed service, internal HR, Finance, and ICT teams
- Oversee payroll system configuration, testing, and validation to ensure compliance and accuracy
- Collaborate closely with the Data Migration and Reporting Workstream to ensure seamless integration of payroll data and reporting outputs
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement and communication, including senior leadership updates and programme governance
- Ensure all payroll-related processes meet regulatory, legislative, and organisational standards
- Drive problem resolution and change management activities impacting the payroll solution
- Support readiness and transition planning for payroll system go-live and ongoing operations
Ko tāu nā i tēnei tūranga - What you'll bring to the role:
You will be a skilled project manager with experience in payroll systems and transformation programmes. You will bring strong leadership, stakeholder management, and technical understanding to ensure complex payroll requirements are met.
Key Skills and Experience:
- Demonstrated success managing payroll implementation projects, preferably also involving HRIS and managed service implementations
- Demonstrated project management skills including planning, risk management, resource allocation and reporting.
- Proven leadership of cross-functional project teams and vendor coordination
- Familiarity with modern project delivery methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid)
- Strong communication and executive reporting capabilities, especially in structured governance settings
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Ko wai mātou - who are we?
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is a Crown Entity responsible for reducing unwanted fires, responding to structural and vegetation fires and other emergencies including motor vehicle crashes, medical emergencies, hazardous substance related incidents, natural disasters, and supporting increased community resilience.
Our vision is to build stronger communities and protect what matters most to the people within them. We are proud to be recognised as New Zealand's most trusted public sector agency. Our values reflect what our people believe is core to who we are and the organisation we aspire to be.
- Kia Tika - We Do the Right Thing
- Manaakitanga - We Serve and Support
- Whanaungatanga - We Are Better Together
- Auahatanga - We Strive to Improve
Ko te tono mai - How to apply:
At Fire and Emergency New Zealand, you'll be part of a values-driven organisation committed to protecting people and communities across the country. This programme will directly support the wellbeing of our people by delivering a modern, reliable payroll solution—and you'll be a key part of making that happen.
Come join us - we are excited about the future of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and we'd love you to be part of it! We value diversity as a strength and welcome applicants that can help bring a difference to our organisation.
If this sounds like you, apply now. To download a copy of our position description please visit our vacancy page on our FireJobs website.
If you have any specific questions about this role, please email: nhqjobs@fireandemergency.nz. Please note, applications sent via email will not be accepted.
We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.
Applications close Sunday 22nd June 2025.
Please note: Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory for this role.