Projects and System Lead (Payroll ECP)

• Lead payroll projects and system enhancements to support BAU operations and long-term payroll transformation
• Drive compliance, governance, and continuous improvement across SAP/ECP payroll systems
• Act as the payroll systems SME, partnering with IT, Finance, People Technology, and external vendors


Description


The Payroll Projects and System Lead is responsible for driving payroll system optimisation, leading complex payroll projects, and ensuring robust compliance and governance across all payroll systems and processes. The role oversees system upgrades, integrations, and configurations across SAP SuccessFactors EC, ECP, PCC, and related tools such as Spinifex and Time & Attendance systems.


Key Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing payroll system operations, upgrades, and major implementations, ensuring seamless integration with HR, Finance, IT, and business functions.
• Managing the full lifecycle of payroll projects from business case development and scope definition to delivery, testing, and post-implementation review.
• Translating payroll business requirements into technical specifications to support SAP configuration, optimisation, and process re-engineering.
• Maintaining deep expertise in SAP SuccessFactors EC, ECP, PCC, and all related integrations.
• Establishing and enforcing governance for system integrity, data quality, segregation of duties, and user access.
• Partnering with Payroll Governance & Compliance to ensure adherence to legislation, enterprise agreements, and audit obligations.
• Leading issue resolution, continuous improvement, and root-cause analysis alongside Payroll Operations.
• Championing automation, digitisation, and transformation initiatives within the payroll function.
• Leading change management efforts for new systems, processes, and integrations.

Profile

You will be a seasoned payroll professional with strong technical, analytical, and project delivery experience.

• Extensive experience across payroll operations, payroll remediation, and end-to-end delivery of payroll system projects within large, complex environments.
• Advanced technical expertise in SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP), SAP EC, PCC, and related tools (e.g., Spinifex).
• Solid understanding of Australian payroll legislation including taxation, superannuation, leave entitlements, and enterprise agreements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with demonstrated experience in data integrity, defect analysis, and process improvement.
• Proven project and change management experience with the ability to manage governance, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional alignment.
• Advanced test leadership capabilities (test strategy, scripting, regression/automation, defect triage, cutover and production verification).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management, translating between technical and business teams with ease.
• Consulting or vendor-management experience within payroll technology ecosystems (highly regarded).

Job Offer


You will influence enterprise-level payroll systems, shape best-practice governance, and drive innovation across a high-impact portfolio. Optus offers a collaborative culture, opportunities for career development, and the chance to deliver meaningful improvements to payroll delivery at scale.


For a confidential conversation please contact Corin on 0457676048 or apply within.