HR Operations and Payroll Lead
About us
For over 25 years, Catalyst has been at the forefront of creating innovative software solutions for government, enterprise, and non-profit organisations. We empower our partners with systems that offer full data sovereignty without the constraints of licensing fees or vendor lock-in—leveraging the freedom and creativity of open source.
With sister-companies in New Zealand, Australia and the UK, we’re a company that is recognised globally for our open source expertise, pushing the conventional technology boundaries and creating award-winning software solutions.
A career at Catalyst gives you the opportunity to work on high-profile projects, collaborate with industry experts, and continuously grow - personally and professionally. Being a homegrown software company, Catalyst is on a journey to explore and fulfil our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Our team is filled with open source enthusiasts who share our values of openness, freedom, collaboration and respect.
About the role
As Catalyst continues to mature as a business, we are seeking an experienced HR Operations & Payroll Lead to take ownership of our people operations and payroll function.
This is a critical role focused on operational excellence, accuracy and compliance. You will be responsible for ensuring payroll, employment contracts and core HR processes operate reliably and consistently for a business of around 170 people.
Working closely with senior leaders and the the wider HR team, you will provide clear ownership of HR operations, reduce business risk and help establish disciplined, scalable ways of working.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone who takes pride in getting the fundamentals right and is comfortable owning outcomes end-to-end.
This role can be based in our Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch offices. You’ll generally work from the office most of the time (around 3–4 days a week), with flexibility around start and finish times and the option to consider a four-day week.
About you
You are an experienced HR or people operations professional with strong payroll expertise and a high standard of attention to detail. You are comfortable operating independently, taking accountability for critical processes and bringing structure and clarity to complex operational environments.
Ideally, you will bring:
- Strong New Zealand payroll experience and a deep understanding of employment compliance
- Experience with the Datacom, Datapay payroll system
- An understanding in, or experience with, recruitment processes
- Experience owning HR operations, contracts, and people data end-to-end
- A disciplined, process-driven approach with a low tolerance for errors
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and providing clear, practical advice
- A calm, professional style and a strong sense of ownership
This role will suit someone who enjoys being the trusted operational backbone of a people function rather than a generalist advisory role.
At Catalyst, we care more about finding the right person than ticking every box on a checklist. If this role interests you and you believe your experience and approach would add value, even if you don’t meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply.
We’re particularly interested in people who are practical, thoughtful and keen to take ownership, and who are aligned with our values and ways of working.
Why you’ll love working at Catalyst
At Catalyst, our people are at the heart of our success. We cultivate an environment where every individual is encouraged to bring their full self to work. Our vibrant culture is built on a foundation of community engagement, collaboration, and shared success.
Along with a competitive salary, Catalyst offers a range of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. We emphasise work-life balance, continuous learning and career progression. Here, your talents are appreciated and your ideas are welcomed, helping us shape a future where innovation and inclusivity go hand-in-hand.
How to apply
If reading this made you think, "This is the role for me," we'd love to hear from you! Applications must be lodged via our careers portal, and you must have the right to reside or work in New Zealand.
Please note that we will be shortlisting candidates as applications are received and may close the vacancy early if suitable candidates are identified. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
