Project Manager

We're looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our team in Melbourne.

The Project Manager is a pivotal role who oversees the delivery of client projects across payroll, HRIS and HCM implementation, transformation, and compliance initiatives. The Project Manager collaborates with internal consultants, external vendors and client stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within scope. This role requires strong communication, a deep understanding of payroll operations and a passion for driving excellence in project outcomes. You will act as the conduit between client needs and executional success, ensuring alignment with our core values: people-first, operational excellence and genuine connection.

• Project Planning & Delivery — Define and manage project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with clients and internal teams.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Track project progress against milestones, KPIs, budgets and timelines.
• Manage end-to-end delivery of multiple concurrent projects.
  • Stakeholder & Client Management — Serve as the primary point of contact for clients during project delivery.
  • Facilitate project meetings, status updates, and workshops.
  • Build trusted relationships with clients through clear communication and accountability.
    • Cross-functional Coordination — Work closely with payroll consultants, technical teams, and third-party vendors.
    • Ensure timely handoffs, task ownership, and project visibility.
    • Collaborate with internal leadership to manage capacity and project prioritisation.
    • Identify, monitor, and mitigate project risks.
    • Respond quickly to project issues and client concerns.
    • Escalate critical blockers to leadership with proposed solutions.
      • Change Management & Process — Support clients through process redesign, technology transitions, and compliance adjustments.
      • Facilitate training and enablement activities.
      • Promote best practices across projects to drive consistency and excellence.
        • Documentation & Reporting — Maintain project documentation including briefs, schedules, RAID logs, and meeting minutes.
        • Prepare regular progress reports and executive summaries.
        • Introduce and maintain relevant project management frameworks where required.
        • Track project performance using tools such as Monday.com or similar.
        • Contribute to team planning sessions and knowledge sharing.
        • Support other team members in project coordination and delivery.
        • Foster an inclusive and high-performance project culture.
          • Qualifications — Education & Experience
          • 5+ years' experience in project management, ideally within payroll, HR, HCM or technology consulting.
          • Strong knowledge of payroll systems and operational processes (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Dayforce, UKG).
          • Demonstrated success in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
          • Relevant qualifications in project management (e.g., PMP, Prince2, Agile certifications).Experience in workforce allocation and resourcing to optimise service delivery.
          • Experience in client-facing roles with professional services or consulting firms.
          • Bachelor's degree in Business, HR, IT, or related field (preferred).
          • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
          • Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
          • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
          • Adaptability in fast-changing environments.
          • High level of initiative and accountability.
          • Familiarity with project tools such as Monday.com, Asana, Jira or equivalent.
          • Collaborative, people-first approach that aligns with The Payroll Collective's values.
          • Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate teams.
          Why Join Us?

At The Payroll Collective, we're not your average consultancy, we're a purpose-driven, people-first team passionate about transforming payroll and people operations for the better. Led by our CEO & Founding Director, Natalee Leach, we're a growing business with strong values, big goals and a supportive culture that celebrates flexibility, trust and empowerment.

We offer:

• A positive, down to earth team culture where your input is valued.
• Purposeful work in a company making waves in the payroll and consulting space.
• The chance to grow alongside a business that's scaling fast and celebrating every milestone.

Ready to work with a CEO who leads with heart, hustle and integrity? Apply now by submitting your resume to info@thepayrollcollective.com.au