Advisory – FAAS Global Payroll Solutions - Implementation Manager – Dublin/Cork

The Opportunity

Grant Thornton Ireland is seeking a highly organised, proactive and experienced Implementation Manager to join our Global Payroll Solutions team.

The successful candidate will lead complex client implementations, transformation projects and service transitions while supporting the delivery of high-quality global payroll managed services.

This role goes beyond traditional payroll implementation, covering technology deployments, system integrations, process improvements, automation and broader transformation initiatives.

We are looking for a strong communicator and confident leader who can manage multiple projects, coordinate international stakeholders, drive accountability and ensure successful delivery in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

The role will be split approximately 60% Implementation & Projects and 40% Managed Services.

Key Responsibilities

Implementation and Project Management (60%)

- Lead end-to-end client implementations, payroll transitions and transformation projects, from initial planning and requirements gathering through testing, go-live and stabilisation.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring effective governance, resource allocation, risk management, budget oversight and timely delivery.
- Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, action trackers, status reports and stakeholder communications.
- Coordinate internal teams, international Grant Thornton member firms, clients and third-party providers across multiple jurisdictions.
- Lead project meetings, workshops and steering committees, ensuring clear decisions, accountability and follow-up.
- Proactively identify risks, dependencies and potential delays, driving timely resolution and escalation.
- Support technology implementations, integrations, automation and process improvement initiatives.

Managed Services and Client Delivery (40%)

- Provide management oversight of global payroll managed services engagements, ensuring delivery against agreed service levels, quality standards and client expectations.
- Act as a senior escalation point for operational, technical and cross-border issues.
- Monitor service performance, operational risks, internal controls and compliance requirements.
- Lead client service reviews and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Ensure smooth transitions from implementation into business-as-usual operations, including documentation, knowledge transfer and governance.
- Support service improvements, client retention and opportunities for business growth.

People Leadership and Stakeholder Management

- Lead, coach and develop multidisciplinary project and service delivery teams.
- Manage workloads, team priorities, capacity planning and quality of deliverables.
- Build trusted relationships with clients, senior stakeholders, external providers and international colleagues.
- Deliver presentations, workshops, project updates and client training sessions.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management and team development.
- Contribute to business development activities, including proposals, RFP responses and commercial scoping.

Skills and Experience

Essential Requirements

- Proven experience managing complex implementations, transformation initiatives or operational projects within a client-facing environment.
- At least 5 years experience in similar role.
- Exceptional organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, clients and competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and issue resolution.
- Strong experience leading meetings, facilitating workshops, managing expectations and ensuring actions are completed.
- Demonstrated people management experience, including team leadership, coaching and performance development.
- Strong client relationship management skills, with the confidence to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience working in international or multi-country environments, coordinating cross-functional teams and external providers.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with excellent attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and experience using project management tools.

Desirable Requirements

- Experience in global payroll, managed services, HR operations or international service delivery.
- A recognised project management or payroll qualification, such as PRINCE2, PMP, Agile or IPASS.
- Experience with payroll or HR technology platforms, system integrations, automation and process improvements.
- Knowledge of Payzaar or similar global payroll platforms.
- Understanding of international payroll processes, statutory reporting, payroll journals and operational controls.
- Experience supporting proposals, RFPs, commercial scoping and client onboarding.
- Previous experience within professional services, consulting or multinational organisations.

What Success Looks Like

- Project Delivery: Successfully delivering complex implementations and transformation projects on time, with clear governance and accountability.
- Client Experience: Building trusted client relationships through proactive communication and effective issue resolution.
- People Leadership: Developing high-performing teams through coaching, collaboration and clear direction.
- Operational Excellence: Ensuring seamless transitions into managed services while maintaining quality and strong operational controls.
- Continuous Improvement: Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, automate processes and enhance service delivery.

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