Full job descriptionHRIS Implementation Manager - 12 Month Fixed-term Contract

I’m currently looking for an HRIS & Payroll Implementation Manager for our public sector client on an initial 12 Month Fixed-term contract, with likelihood of extension for the duration of the Project. Experience of Project Management for HRIS & Payroll Implementations will be critical for the role.

- Salary: £64k
- Annual Leave: 27 Days, Plus Bank Holidays
- Local Gov Pension Scheme
Role OverviewThe Implementation Manager is responsible for leading the technical implementation of new HR and payroll systems as part of a wider organisational transformation programme. Working closely with senior stakeholders, the role ensures successful system design, testing, data migration, and deployment while minimising operational disruption and supporting organisational change.
Key Responsibilities*Lead the implementation of new HR and payroll platforms from planning through to go-live.
*Define project scope, timelines, technical requirements, success measures, and delivery plans.
*Manage system testing, including end-to-end testing, parallel payroll runs, and data validation.
*Oversee data migration and system integration with existing business applications.
*Identify, manage, and mitigate project risks, issues, and dependencies.
*Monitor project progress, budgets, and milestones, providing updates to senior stakeholders.
*Coordinate internal and external stakeholders throughout implementation.
*Develop technical implementation roadmaps and resolve delivery bottlenecks.
*Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and communications to support user adoption and change management.
*Ensure new systems are scalable, resilient, compliant, and fit for future organisational needs.
Essential Experience*Proven experience delivering HRIS and payroll system implementations.
*Strong project management experience delivering complex technical change programmes.
*Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, risks, budgets, and benefits realisation.
*Experience with digital transformation and organisational change initiatives.
*Experience developing and maintaining project plans to deliver value, quality, and timely outcomes.
Desirable Experience*Experience procuring HR or payroll systems.
*Experience managing supplier contracts and service level agreements.
*Experience working within regulated or public sector environments.
Knowledge & Skills*Strong understanding of HRIS and payroll systems.
*Familiarity with recognised project management methodologies such as Agile, PRINCE2, MSP, or equivalent.
*Excellent stakeholder management, communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
*Ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering projects on time, within scope, and within budget.
*Strategic thinking with the ability to translate organisational objectives into successful project delivery.
Qualifications*Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
*Professional project or programme management certification (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile, MSP, APM, PMI) is desirable.
Personal Attributes*Analytical and evidence-based decision maker.
*Adaptable, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement.
*Accountable, organised, and resilient under pressure.
*Strong commitment to fairness, openness, learning, and delivering high-quality outcomes.
Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual’s skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.