Payroll Transformation Manager

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Payroll Specialist to lead a major payroll transformation project at The Wests Group Australia. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of payroll across a diverse and growing hospitality and entertainment business. You will lead the upgrade of our payroll systems while strengthening payroll governance, compliance, reporting and service delivery. Working closely with shared services, operational leaders and external partners, you will bring the right stakeholders together to design a compliant, people-centred payroll environment that supports a better experience for our core business. The Opportunity This role is about more than payroll processing. As Payroll Transformation Manager, you will lead the end-to-end payroll system upgrade from planning and process review through to implementation, stabilisation and continuous improvement. You will bring people together, understand how our venues and support teams work, and translate operational needs into simple, practical payroll solutions that improve accuracy, compliance and the employee experience. Key areas of focus include: Lead the payroll system transformation project from planning through to implementation and stabilisation Review and improve payroll processes, controls and governance frameworks Identify opportunities to simplify, automate and improve the way payroll services are delivered Provide payroll compliance leadership across awards, enterprise agreements and legislation Deliver meaningful workforce and labour reporting insights to support better business decisions Support change management, training and capability building across payroll operations Build strong partnerships with multiple internal and external stakeholders to deliver practical long-term outcomes About You You are a seasoned payroll specialist who enjoys improving systems, solving practical problems and creating clear, reliable ways of working. You are confident working with detail, but you also understand the bigger picture. You can influence change, bring stakeholders with you and balance compliance, service and operational reality. What we're looking for: Demonstrated experience in a senior payroll position Proven experience leading payroll system implementations, upgrades or transformation projects Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, awards, enterprise agreements and employment legislation Experience managing payroll in a medium to large organisation Strong stakeholder engagement and change management skills Advanced payroll reporting, data analysis and Excel capability Sound judgement, attention to detail and a strong focus on governance and risk Ability to build trusted relationships and influence positive outcomes across the business Highly regarded: Experience within hospitality, clubs, hotels or other multi-site environments Project management or change management experience Tertiary qualifications in Payroll, Finance, Business, Human Resources or a related discipline About Us The Wests Group Australia is a major employer in the Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie regions. Employing close to 1,000 people, The Wests Group operates a diverse portfolio of entertainment and hospitality venues including registered clubs, hotels, conference and fitness facilities, as well as the Newcastle Knights. As a not-for-profit organisation, community is at the heart of what we do. We are here to create memorable experiences for our members, guests and communities, while providing meaningful employment and career opportunities for our people. Why You'll Love Being Part of The Wests Group At The Wests Group, you will be part of a values-led organisation where our people, members, guests and community matter. This role offers the chance to lead meaningful change, work with a wide range of stakeholders and help build payroll foundations that support our teams every day. Our benefits include wellbeing and community leave, paid parental leave, annual leave loading, employee discounts across meals, health insurance, fitness and accommodation, professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead meaningful enterprise-wide change. The Wests Group is committed to creating a workplace where people feel welcome, respected and supported. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.