Story Behind the Need
- Business group: This role sits within the Global HR Modernization team, responsible for delivering innovative payroll and total rewards solutions across the organization, including benefits, compensation, and bonus program delivery.
- Project: We are seeking a Senior Director-level Project Manager to lead one of the most complex HR transformation initiatives within the organization — the Canadian Payroll Migration Program. This is a multi-million-dollar, multi-year enterprise project involving the migration of over 50,000 employees to SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP), transitioning from a legacy 2009 on-premises system to a modern cloud-based platform.
Project Scope
- Migration from legacy SAP Payroll to SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP)
- Nationwide implementation impacting branch, corporate, wealth, and HR workforce segments
- Complex data, system, and process transformation across multiple stakeholder groups
- Currently transitioning from requirements/completion phase into build and execution
Typical Day in Role
- Provide executive-level leadership for a large-scale payroll transformation program
- Lead multiple critical workstreams, including:
o Data conversion and migration
o Testing strategy and execution
o Upstream/downstream systems integration
o Core HR processes
- Oversee program financials, timelines, risks, and dependencies across all streams
- Drive end-to-end project delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives
- Manage and coordinate internal stakeholders, including Payroll, HR, and IT teams
- Lead relationships with external vendors and implementation partners (e.g., consulting firms, system integrators)
- Prepare and deliver executive updates, reporting, and communications to VP/SVP stakeholders
- Mentor and provide direction to senior project managers supporting the program
- Facilitate governance forums and ensure workstream accountability and execution discipline
- Partner closely with the business sponsor (VP level) to drive decision-making and outcomes
Candidate Value Proposition
- This is a high-impact opportunity to:
o Work directly with senior executives (VP/SVP level) at a Top 5 bank
o Lead a national, enterprise-wide transformation initiative
o Drive meaningful change across payroll and HR systems impacting tens of thousands of employees
o Build experience within a complex, high-visibility program with significant organizational impact
o Ideal for seasoned contractors who thrive in fast-paced, large-scale transformation environments
Candidate Requirements/Must Have Skills
- 10+ years of experience as a project manager, with at least 5+ as a senior/director level PM having led at least 4+ large-scale transformation projects
- Experience leading large complex multi-million dollar ($10M+) and multi-year projects
- Experience with large software deployments/ large ERPs /CRM/ CRP initiatives
- Experience managing technology vendors and implementation partners (e.g. Epi-Use, system integrators, large consulting firms)
- PMP / PMI certification required
Nice-To-Have Skills
- Experience delivering HCM or Payroll transformation projects
- Direct experience with SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP) or SAP HR systems
Soft Skills Required
- Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong organizational and program governance capabilities
- High attention to detail with a focus on delivery excellence
- Ability to operate effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
- Proven leadership in managing cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams
Education
- PMP / PMI certification required
Best VS. Average Candidate
- A seasoned transformation leader with experience delivering complex enterprise programs
- Comfortable operating at both strategic and execution levels
- Highly effective at managing ambiguity, risk, and competing priorities
- Skilled in influencing and communicating with senior executives and stakeholders
- A proactive problem-solver with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
Candidate Review & Selection – Interview Process
- 2–3 interview rounds (in-person)
- Round 1: Two Vice Presidents
- Round 2: Senior Vice President
Please note
- AI is not used to screen, assess, or select candidates.
- This role reflects an existing vacancy at the time of posting.
Job Details
14524
Contract
12 months
Toronto
Recruiter
Pranshu Gupta
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