[Hiring] Payroll Implementation Coordinator @Safeguard Global

Role Description

The Payroll Implementation Coordinator is responsible for end‑to‑end payroll delivery within implementations for both Employer of Record (EOR) and Global Pay clients. This role covers payroll ownership from discovery through configuration, testing, first payroll execution, and controlled handover to BAU Payroll Operations. The Implementation Coordinator runs and validates the first live payroll, ensuring payroll is operationally stable before transition. This is a project-driven implementation role, distinct from ongoing payroll processing.

How you will make a difference:

• Discovery & Payroll Design:
  • Participate in and lead payroll‑specific discovery sessions within implementation programs.
  • Work under the direction of the Global Implementation Lead and Regional Managers to align payroll delivery to global implementation standards.
  • Define payroll requirements including pay elements, calendars, cut‑offs, statutory deductions and employer costs, benefits, allowances, and recurring variables.
  • Identify country‑specific payroll risks, dependencies, and regulatory considerations early.
  • Partner with other Managed Services teams during implementation to obtain, validate and consolidate required information, ensuring full preparedness for go‑live.
• Supply Chain & In‑Country Partner Coordination:
  • Work closely with Supply Chain to identify and seek approval of In‑Country Partners (ICPs), ICEs, or external payroll vendors for each country.
  • Validate provider readiness for implementation timelines.
  • Ensure providers meet Safeguard Global payroll, compliance, and delivery standards.
  • Serve as the payroll counterpart to Supply Chain during provider selection, transition, or onboarding activities.
  • Coordinate provider engagement throughout configuration, testing, and first payroll execution.
• Payroll Configuration & Readiness:
  • Coordinate payroll setup with In‑Country Partners and Internal platforms and systems teams.
  • Validate payroll configuration against Client design, Local statutory requirements and Employment contract structures.
  • Maintain payroll‑specific implementation checklists and evidence of readiness.
  • Ensure all inputs, templates, and employee data are complete and approved prior to testing.
• Testing, Parallel Runs & Validation:
  • Coordinate payroll test runs and parallel payrolls (where required).
  • Review payroll outputs including Payroll registers, Payslips, Employer cost reports and Statutory calculations.
  • Document discrepancies, lead resolution with providers, and confirm final accuracy.
• Go‑Live & First Payroll Ownership:
  • Own and execute the first production payroll post‑implementation for EOR and Global Pay.
  • Ensure Final inputs are validated, Payroll outputs are reviewed and approved, Client sign‑off is obtained.
  • Coordinate with Finance (EOR) and Accounting (Global Pay if service was contracted) to confirm payroll funding readiness.
  • Validate bank files and statutory instructions.
  • Act as the primary payroll authority during go‑live and stabilization.
• Handover to BAU Payroll Operations:
  • Prepare a structured and controlled handover to Payroll Operations including payroll design and configuration documentation, country‑specific nuances and risks, open issues, dependencies, and escalation paths, calendars, providers, and contacts.
  • Confirm BAU acceptance and readiness before transition.
  • Support post‑go‑live hypercare as defined by implementation governance.
• Controls, Risk & Documentation:
  • Ensure payroll implementation activities are compliant with Internal control, Segregation of duties and Local regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain audit‑ready documentation throughout the implementation lifecycle.
  • Escalate payroll risks, delays, or readiness gaps to Regional Managers and the Global Implementation Lead.
  • Support continuous improvement of payroll implementation tooling, checklists, and SOPs.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years’ experience in global payroll APAC or EMEA, payroll transitions, or payroll implementations.
• Strong understanding of payroll life cycle, multi‑country payroll regulations and payroll controls and validations.
• Proven experience working with external payroll providers / ICPs.
• Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills.
• Detail‑oriented, risk‑aware, and delivery‑focused.

Benefits

• Autonomy and Flexibility (work in any way): Remote first, with the flexibility to include life needs like school runs and gym breaks in your schedule, all while maintaining a high standard of work.
• Generous leave: Enjoy a competitive leave package including paid bonding leaves for new additions to your family.
• Make a difference: Get 2 paid charitable days off to contribute to causes you believe in.
• Corporate bonus/SIP: All Guardians are eligible for our annual bonus scheme or sales incentive plan.
• International environment: Grow your network internationally and collaborate across the world. Interact, discover cultures, and tap into local expertise.
• Human centered culture: We emphasize the people factor in everything we do. Our nurturing culture ensures your ideas reach our leaders and your contributions get the recognition they deserve.
• Learning: We support your continuous growth by providing access to 2 learning platforms, where you can learn at your own pace.