Advisory – FAAS Global Payroll Solutions - Implementation Manager – Dublin/Cork

The Opportunity

• Grant Thornton Ireland is seeking a highly organised, proactive and experienced Implementation Manager to join our Global Payroll Solutions team.
• The successful candidate will lead complex client implementations, transformation projects and service transitions while supporting the delivery of high-quality global payroll managed services.
• This role goes beyond traditional payroll implementation, covering technology deployments, system integrations, process improvements, automation and broader transformation initiatives.
• We are looking for a strong communicator and confident leader who can manage multiple projects, coordinate international stakeholders, drive accountability and ensure successful delivery in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
• The role will be split approximately 60% Implementation & Projects and 40% Managed Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Implementation and Project Management (60%)
• Lead end-to-end client implementations, payroll transitions and transformation projects, from initial planning and requirements gathering through testing, go-live and stabilisation.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring effective governance, resource allocation, risk management, budget oversight and timely delivery.
• Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, action trackers, status reports and stakeholder communications.
• Coordinate internal teams, international Grant Thornton member firms, clients and third-party providers across multiple jurisdictions.
• Lead project meetings, workshops and steering committees, ensuring clear decisions, accountability and follow-up.
• Proactively identify risks, dependencies and potential delays, driving timely resolution and escalation.
• Support technology implementations, integrations, automation and process improvement initiatives.
• Managed Services and Client Delivery (40%)
• Provide management oversight of global payroll managed services engagements, ensuring delivery against agreed service levels, quality standards and client expectations.
• Act as a senior escalation point for operational, technical and cross-border issues.
• Monitor service performance, operational risks, internal controls and compliance requirements.
• Lead client service reviews and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ensure smooth transitions from implementation into business-as-usual operations, including documentation, knowledge transfer and governance.
• Support service improvements, client retention and opportunities for business growth.
• People Leadership and Stakeholder Management
• Lead, coach and develop multidisciplinary project and service delivery teams.
• Manage workloads, team priorities, capacity planning and quality of deliverables.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, senior stakeholders, external providers and international colleagues.
• Deliver presentations, workshops, project updates and client training sessions.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management and team development.
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposals, RFP responses and commercial scoping.

Skills and Experience

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience managing complex implementations, transformation initiatives or operational projects within a client-facing environment.
• At least 5 years experience in similar role.
• Exceptional organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, clients and competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and issue resolution.
• Strong experience leading meetings, facilitating workshops, managing expectations and ensuring actions are completed.
• Demonstrated people management experience, including team leadership, coaching and performance development.
• Strong client relationship management skills, with the confidence to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in international or multi-country environments, coordinating cross-functional teams and external providers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and experience using project management tools.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in global payroll, managed services, HR operations or international service delivery.
• A recognised project management or payroll qualification, such as PRINCE2, PMP, Agile or IPASS.
• Experience with payroll or HR technology platforms, system integrations, automation and process improvements.
• Knowledge of Payzaar or similar global payroll platforms.
• Understanding of international payroll processes, statutory reporting, payroll journals and operational controls.
• Experience supporting proposals, RFPs, commercial scoping and client onboarding.
• Previous experience within professional services, consulting or multinational organisations.

What Success Looks Like

• Project Delivery: Successfully delivering complex implementations and transformation projects on time, with clear governance and accountability.
• Client Experience: Building trusted client relationships through proactive communication and effective issue resolution.
• People Leadership: Developing high-performing teams through coaching, collaboration and clear direction.
• Operational Excellence: Ensuring seamless transitions into managed services while maintaining quality and strong operational controls.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, automate processes and enhance service delivery.
• #LI-RS