A leading institution is undergoing a strategic review of its payroll operations and is seeking an experienced Associate Director of Payroll to help shape the future of the function. This role sits at the intersection of operational leadership and transformational change, offering a unique opportunity to drive service improvement and compliance uplift across a complex payroll environment.

You'll work closely with senior HR and program leads to support a major payroll enhancement initiative, contributing to both day-to-day excellence and long-term structural redesign.

👥 The Team

The payroll function includes multiple specialist teams focused on services, processing, and compliance. You'll be responsible for managing a significant portion of the workforce, collaborating with project teams and system experts to identify opportunities for improvement and lead cultural change.

🔍 Key Responsibilities

• Lead payroll service improvement initiatives within a broader transformation program
• Oversee complex payroll operations across multiple cycles
• Drive compliance and embed a proactive, high-performance culture
• Collaborate with HR and systems teams to resolve operational challenges
• Contribute to future-state planning and organisational design
• Champion leadership excellence and team development

🎯 About You

You bring a strong blend of strategic thinking and hands-on leadership, with:

• Proven experience managing payroll teams in large, complex environments
• Deep understanding of payroll systems and compliance frameworks
• Familiarity with enterprise platforms (e.g., Workday or similar)
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline
• A proactive mindset, strong work ethic, and collaborative leadership style
• Passion for driving operational excellence and cultural transformation

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply. To apply please click apply or call Phillip Yee on +61 2 82893143 for a confidential discussion.