- Transformational Project - Make you mark in improving our payroll system
- Fixed term role through to February 2027
- Competitive salary + 5 weeks annual leave
Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō | Working together for Wellington's future.
We're Working for Wellington. Wellington City Council's team provides more than 400 services every day for Wellingtonians - everything from parks and pools to consents and cemeteries - playing our part in making Pōneke an inclusive, sustainable, and creative capital for people to live, work and play.
Wellington City Council's People & Culture team is well underway in our vision of working in partnership across Council to create a high performing, safe, happy and healthy workplace for all, enabling our people to deliver high-quality services to our communities.
To help us further enable our kaimahi, we are looking for a forward-thinking Project Manager to lead the transformation of our payroll system. This is an exciting opportunity to drive change in a people-focused, dynamic environment where your work will have a direct, positive impact on our kaimahi and the services we deliver to the public.
The payroll system upgrade is a key part of our broader commitment to modernizing our internal service offering and ensuring that our staff experience a seamless, efficient, and transparent system. This project is about more than just technology - it's about improving the experience for the people who help keep our community thriving.
This is a great opportunity for someone who relishes in a diverse and fast-paced environment and has a passion for driving change and improving business processes.
Āu ake mahi | What you'll do
As the Project Manager of our payroll system transformation, you will be at the forefront of this exciting, people-centric project. You will work closely with internal teams across HR, IT (Smart council), Finance, and other departments to drive a system transformation. Your leadership will ensure that the project is completed with the utmost care, keeping both the wellbeing of our kaimahi and the efficiency of our organisation front and centre.
Initially supported by a Business Analyst, you will manage the project from start to finish, ensuring a smooth transition to the new payroll system and delivering a solution that is effective and meet the needs of all stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the full transformation of our payroll system, ensuring it is designed to improve the employee experience, streamline processes, and meet the needs of our diverse workforce.
- Collaborate with stakeholders from across HR, IT (Smart council), Finance, and other departments to define the project scope, goals, and desired outcomes, with a focus on people-centric solutions.
- Develop and manage detailed project plans, ensuring that timelines, resources, and budgets are aligned with organisational priorities.
- Ensure the transformation is delivered in a way that minimizes disruption to staff while maximizing long-term efficiency gains.
- Manage professional services agreements and contracts ensuring the contractual obligations are met and the projects are successfully delivered.
- Proactively identify and address project risks, challenges, and issues, ensuring the project remains on track and that stakeholders are kept informed.
- Oversee comprehensive testing and training programs, ensuring that all employees are supported through the change process and that the new system meets their needs.
- Foster a collaborative, people-focused project environment where communication, empathy, and support are prioritized.
- Manage relationships with external vendors and partners, ensuring the system is built to meet the highest standards of functionality and ease-of-use.
Ngā tohu me ngā wheako | Qualifications and experience
- A project management qualification at an NCEA Level 4 or greater (such as Prince2 or PMI) or a Bachelor of Technology degree with the relevant project management experience with knowledge of modern project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, PRINCE2, PMP).
- Proven experience with 10+ years as a Project Manager, particularly in leading transformational projects that focus on improving processes and the employee experience.
- A strong understanding of payroll systems, with the ability to balance technical requirements with a focus on people and user experience.
- Excellent communication skills, with a track record of working closely with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, and building strong, collaborative relationships.
- Experience managing complex projects within the government sector or people-centric environment.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through change and transformation while maintaining a positive, people-first approach.
What We Offer
As part of the People and Culture Group, we will offer you support, and opportunities to continue your development - we have fabulous inhouse self-directed learning as well as opportunities to attend relevant programmes/courses. We are busy; however, we do take time to celebrate, and we are connected - check out our Chief People Officer Meredith Blackler who is a member of ELT.
Wellington City Council offers an inclusive and diverse workplace where we really care about our employees. You'll work within a welcoming team who love what they do, and you will have the chance to make this role your own.
Why us?
Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.
More than that - you'll be playing a part in making Pōneke an inclusive, sustainable and creative capital for people to live, work and play.
So, if joining a team that is focussed on delivering the best outcomes for Pōneke now and into the future (while also having a ton of fun doing it) seems like something that you want to be part of, apply today!
Applications close 9th of March 2025. All applications need to be submitted online and have the current right to work in New Zealand. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Ministry of Justice and credit check as part of the pre-employment process.
Please note, we will be shortlisting and inviting applicants to interview prior to the closing date. The advertisement may be closed earlier if a suitable applicant is identified.
We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz
