Payroll Transition Lead

The HR Payroll & Project Management Specialist ensures governance and integrity across the global payroll technology landscape — including Workday (HRIS), HRX Global Payroll (middleware), and Strada’s payroll engine. The role drives cross-functional alignment, data accuracy, and process compliance through end-to-end payroll transformations and continuous improvement initiatives. This position operates at the intersection of HR, Finance, Payroll and IT, providing subject matter expertise to align operational execution with organizational goals.

Position Details

Role Title: Payroll Transition Lead

Role Type: Individual Contributor

Function: Human Resources – Global Payroll & HR Operations

Reports to: Global Payroll Programme Director

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Governance & Compliance

• Ensure end-to-end governance of payroll operations across assigned markets, maintaining data accuracy and compliance with global standards and local statutory requirements.

• Oversee integration and control between Workday, HRX Global Payroll, and Strada systems to ensure accurate and timely payroll execution.

• Monitor key controls and compliance metrics across payroll systems and support audit readiness and SOX compliance activities.

• Act as a subject matter expert for global payroll data management, controls, and system dependencies.

Project Management & Transformation

• Drive end-to-end transition of countries to the Workday → HRX → Strada payroll architecture, ensuring process readiness and risk mitigation.

• Act as the key cross-functional liaison between HR, Finance, Payroll and IT teams to ensure accurate and timely data exchange across systems.

• Champion Workday as the single source of truth for payroll-impacting data, ensuring proper synchronization and system alignment.

• Oversee payroll transformation projects including vendor transitions, system enhancements, and process harmonization initiatives.

• Lead data validation, reconciliation, and readiness testing activities during payroll system changes or rollouts.

• Represent payroll in cross-functional transformation forums, ensuring alignment to global design principles and controls framework.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement standardization and automation opportunities across payroll processes.

• Maintain documentation (SOPs, CWIs, process maps) in alignment with the Global Payroll COE.

• Establish governance KPIs and process performance tracking dashboards for continuous improvement.

• Drive operational excellence through process simplification and technology enablement initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with HRBPs, Finance, HRIS, and IT to ensure seamless process integration and accurate data flows.

• Provide analytical insights to support workforce cost forecasting, compliance, and payroll accuracy.

• Act as a trusted advisor for payroll-related inquiries, offering strategic guidance across regions.

Technical & Functional Skills

• Advanced knowledge of Workday HCM (business processes, PECI integrations, pay group setup).

• Familiarity with HRX Global Payroll or equivalent middleware solutions for data orchestration and validation.

• Exceptional analytical skills and attention to detail in data and systems management.

• Excellent problem-solving, prioritization, and cross-functional communication abilities.

Core Behaviors

• Accountability – Owns end-to-end payroll data quality, process controls, and compliance outcomes.

• Collaboration – Works effectively across HR, Finance, and IT to deliver integrated payroll processes.

• Agility – Adapts quickly to changing systems, priorities, and transformation demands.

• Integrity – Maintains confidentiality, transparency, and ethical standards in all operations.

• Innovation – Identifies and drives technology-enabled improvements for efficiency and accuracy.

Additional Information

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://www.nielseniq.com/global/en/ai-safety-policies.

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion