Global Payroll Project Manager 2 Year Fixed Term Contract
Joining Arup
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.
The Arup people function is undergoing an exciting period of transformation. As we establish our new operating model, we are streamlining our processes and aligning our delivery on a global scale, to ensure that we provide an excellent member experience aligned to our values.
Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!
The Opportunity
Global Finance PMO - Payroll Project Manager role sits within the Finance Business Services (FBS) PMO and supports the newly established Global Payroll function on a 2-year fixed term contract. Working alongside the Group Head of Payroll, you'll help review and enhance existing payroll processes and support the implementation of a unified global delivery model aligned with Arup’s Payroll Strategy.
Existing Delivery Model Support the Global Payroll team in reviewing and documenting of existing processes, championing and promoting incremental improvements across the global payroll delivery teams, driving enhancements across the domestic and mobility payroll life cycle.
Future Delivery Model Support the Global Payroll team to operationalise the Global Payroll Strategy, moving from the current diverse landscape of in country, regional, SSC and multiple vendors landscape to a common delivery model.
Is the Role Right for You?
Are you ready to take the lead on global payroll projects that truly make an impact? In this exciting role, you'll be at the heart of project delivery—driving execution with precision and purpose. You’ll align stakeholders and business owners, ensuring everyone’s on the same page when it comes to responsibilities and timelines. With your coordination skills, you’ll manage internal and external resources, navigate dependencies, and keep everything running smoothly. From establishing robust planning and governance frameworks to proactively managing risks, you’ll be the anchor that keeps projects on track. You’ll monitor progress, resolve challenges, and escalate when needed to meet critical deadlines. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and setting clear expectations will be second nature, as will facilitating workshops that spark collaboration and uncover key requirements. You’ll track performance, manage budgets, and report progress within structured governance frameworks. Once projects wrap, you’ll lead post-project reviews, ensure seamless handovers to business-as-usual operations, and maintain comprehensive documentation. Your insights will shape future projects through lessons learned, and you’ll leverage tools like MS Project and Risk Analysis to maintain transparency and control every step of the way. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-impact environment—this role could be the perfect fit for you.
Requirements
We’re interested in speaking with people who have experience in the following:
Led complex, end-to-end projects across global finance environments, including successful delivery of payroll system implementations.
Expert in project management disciplines—from strategic planning and budgeting to RAID oversight and performance reporting.
Skilled relationship builder, known for engaging stakeholders with clarity, influencing decisions, and aligning cross-functional teams.
Adaptable and proactive, balancing competing priorities while driving change initiatives, training programs, and communication strategies.
Tech-savvy and tool-confident, with hands-on expertise in Microsoft Project, Excel, and financial systems to ensure transparency and control.
Not ready to apply just yet, or have a few questions? Contact Rhian Melaney rhian.melaney@arup.com. Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.
What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different People, Shared Values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at http://www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Rhian Melaney rhian.melaney@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application Process
To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/
Stay safe online - Arup will never ask for payment or your bank details as part of our recruitment process.
Recruitment Agencies - We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.
Closing date: 3rd October 2025. We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.