Data Lead

Job description

Lead the data workstream for a major payroll programme.

Initial 6-month contract with strong potential for extension

Opportunity to establish data foundations, integration patterns, and future-state architecture

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Data Lead to join a large-scale payroll transformation programme focused on integrating PayGlobal with Workday.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for driving data discovery, data quality assessment, migration planning, and the development of a scalable data environment. With no existing ETL framework in place, you will play a critical role in defining and building the data architecture, integration approach, and processes required to support ongoing payroll operations and reporting.

Working closely with Payroll, HR, Technology, and vendor teams, you will ensure payroll data is accurately transformed, validated, and integrated into the future-state platform.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead data discovery, profiling, and analysis activities across payroll and HR data domains

Define and execute the data strategy for the PayGlobal to Workday transformation

Design and implement data pipelines, data models, and integration processes

Establish ETL/ELT capabilities where no existing framework currently exists

Drive data cleansing, reconciliation, and validation activities

Build and maintain data migration and refresh processes

Manage data quality, governance, security, and compliance requirements

Partner with Payroll, HR, and Technology stakeholders to ensure successful data outcomes

Provide leadership and guidance to technical and business teams throughout the programme

What You'll Bring

Proven experience leading data workstreams within large transformation programmes

Strong experience with payroll, HR, or workforce data

Experience integrating enterprise platforms such as Workday, ERP, HRIS, or payroll systems

Expertise building ETL/ELT solutions and modern data architectures

Advanced SQL and strong data analysis capabilities

Experience with Azure, AWS, Snowflake, dbt, Azure Data Factory, or equivalent cloud data technologies

Strong understanding of data migration, reconciliation, and data quality frameworks

Ability to engage confidently with technical teams, vendors, and senior business stakeholders

Highly Desirable

PayGlobal experience

Workday implementation or integration experience

Payroll transformation or payroll remediation programme experience

Knowledge of New Zealand payroll legislation and Holidays Act requirements

* Experience establishing data environments from the ground up

What We're Looking For

You'll be a senior data professional who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You are comfortable operating in complex environments, solving ambiguous data challenges, and building scalable solutions that support long-term business outcomes.

Apply Now

If you've successfully led data streams within payroll or enterprise transformation programmes and have experience building modern data integration capabilities, we'd love to hear from you.

Reference Number: 145791

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.