Hays
SAP SF and Payroll Programme Lead
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Programme Lead - Global SAP HCM / Payroll Transformation
Location: London (Hybrid)
Contract Duration: 12-18 Months Initial Contract
Rate: £800-£1200 p/day (Outside IR35)
Start Date: October 2026
A global professional services organisation is preparing to launch a major Payroll and HR transformation programme, with SAP emerging as the preferred technology platform. With the System Integrator selection process currently underway, the organisation is looking to bring in an experienced Programme Lead.
Role Overview
Ahead of SI mobilisation to help shape, prepare and govern the programme from the client side. This is not a hands-on delivery role. The chosen System Integrator will be responsible for the implementation, configuration and day-to-day delivery activities. Instead, you'll provide senior programme leadership, ensuring the organisation is set up for success before and during implementation.
The Opportunity
Joining ahead of programme mobilisation, you will establish the governance, roadmap and delivery structures required for a large-scale global transformation. You'll act as the senior client-side lead, working closely with executive stakeholders, internal architects and the future SI partner to ensure the programme remains aligned with business objectives and is progressing in the right direction.
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead the mobilisation and preparation of a global SAP HR and Payroll transformation programme.
- Establish programme governance, reporting, controls and delivery frameworks.
- Act as the primary interface between the business and the chosen System Integrator.
- Provide strategic oversight and challenge to programme direction, delivery plans and key decisions.
- Ensure organisational readiness ahead of implementation activities.
- Manage senior stakeholder engagement across multiple global regions.
- Work alongside architecture and technical teams to validate solution approaches and delivery strategies.
- Identify and mitigate programme risks, dependencies and issues.
- Drive programme planning, mobilisation and executive reporting.
Experience Required
- Proven experience leading large-scale SAP transformation programmes, ideally within HR, Payroll or Enterprise Applications.
- Strong understanding of SAP SuccessFactors, Employee Central, Employee Central Payroll (ECP) and wider SAP HCM landscapes.
- Experience managing System Integrators and large third-party delivery partners.
- Ability to operate at executive level whilst maintaining credibility with architects and technical teams.
- Strong programme governance, risk management and stakeholder management experience.
- Comfortable providing constructive challenge and ensuring delivery remains aligned to business objectives.
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This is an excellent opportunity to shape a high-profile global SAP transformation from the outset, providing leadership, governance and strategic direction before the implementation partner is fully onboarded.
Desired Skills and Experience
SAP, HCM, Payroll, EC, ECP, Employee Central, Employee Central Payroll, SuccessFactors, SAP SF, Programme Manager, Project Manager, Transformation
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