Global Payroll Implementation Specialist

We are seeking a highly skilled Global Payroll Implementation Specialist (or Global Payroll Specialist with project implementation experience ) to lead multiple payroll-related initiatives. In this key role, you will lead the end-to-end execution of complex implementation projects, ensuring they are accurate, compliant, and delivered on time. This individual will partner closely with Global Payroll, HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors, playing a critical role in supporting and driving global payroll transformation. You’ll be working remotely, this role reports to the Director, Global Payroll. This role is open to remote-applicants in Canada and USA (in Provinces/States where we can hire legally), unless you are near a commuting distance from our Toronto or Vancouver offices. In which case, there would be a hybrid component. The position is available for a fixed term from April 2026 to December 2026. WHAT YOU’LL DO: Lead and support complex global payroll system implementations, upgrades, configurations, and post-go-live stabilization. Manage end-to-end payroll vendor transitions, ensuring seamless integrations and data integrity. Provide expert validation of payroll system configurations, complex earnings/deductions, and specific statutory compliance rules. Oversee and execute rigorous testing cycles, including User Acceptance Testing (UAT), parallel testing, and go-live readiness assessments. Ensure full system alignment and strict adherence to global tax, benefits, and local statutory requirements. Track and manage project dependencies, critical risks, and key deliverables, providing regular status reporting and ensuring effective project governance and escalation. Serve as the primary liaison, coordinating cross-functional stakeholders (HR, IT, Finance) and external vendors to ensure project alignment and resource optimization. Establish project metrics to ensure initiatives remain on schedule, within defined scope, and meet business objectives. Act as the primary technical and process liaison for payroll vendors and internal system partners. Translate complex business and regulatory requirements into detailed technical specifications for system solutions. Collaborate deeply with HRIS, Finance, and Compliance teams to harmonize global processes and standardize implementation methodologies. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 7+ years of experience focused specifically on global payroll processing or leading global payroll implementations. Demonstrated experience in a large, complex, multi-regional global payroll environment. Proven, direct experience managing multiple complex payroll implementation and system upgrade projects simultaneously. Formal project management certification and/or Global payroll certification, or equivalent experience with implementation methodologies is a plus. Expert-level knowledge of diverse global tax codes, benefits integrations, and local statutory compliance rules (e.g., APAC, EMEA, LATAM). Deep proficiency in specialized payroll implementation and reporting software (e.g., Workday, ADP, Dayforce, Ceridian). Strong experience with data integration tools and detailed data migration mapping. Advanced skills in Excel and data analysis for validation, discrepancies detection, and corrective action recommendations. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to bridge technical and business requirements. WHO YOU ARE: Solution seeker: You’re focused on tackling new challenges, solving problems, and moving the business forward-and you don’t wait to be asked. Lifelong learner: You have a growth mindset – you’re here to learn, experiment, seek, apply, and provide feedback, share what works with your team, and move on from what doesn’t. Resilient adapter: In the face of change and challenges, you bring a thoughtful, calm approach, and a focus on finding the new opportunity. Intentional collaborator. You build positive working relationships across the business, bringing people together to foster new opportunities and to facilitate the efficient flow of information. Critical challenger: You have the trust in your team to ask difficult questions in order to get to the best end result. Active communicator: You listen actively and communicate ideas and information clearly, inclusively, and proactively. Integrated thinker: You look beyond your role and responsibilities to understand how your team’s work drives broader organizational goals. Accountable owner: You take pride in the work you’re responsible for with a mindset of ultimate accountability and reliability for the outcomes. Bar-raiser: You step up to help your team grow and succeed, even when that means going beyond what might be expected. Canada Pay Range For This Role $78,400 — $109,800 CAD US Pay Range For This Role $83,100 — $116,300 USD Use of AI in Hiring Hootsuite uses artificial intelligence (AI) to support our recruitment process. These tools may assist with screening and assessing applicants and / or summarizing interview feedback. All final hiring decisions are made by human decision-makers who use their professional judgement to review and evaluate relevant candidate information in addition to AI outputs. For more information about how we use AI and your rights, please see our Careers Privacy Policy.