Payroll Implementation Specialist
Full time · Fixed Term / Project Role
Tauranga (preferred) or any Craigs branch location
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Payroll Implementation Specialist to join our People & Performance (P&P) team at Craigs Investment Partners (CIP). This is a full-time, fixed-term/project-based position ideally based at our Head Office in Tauranga; however, we will consider candidates based at any of our branch locations across New Zealand.
The purpose of our People & Performance team is to create an Exceptional People Experience. We strive for a culture that sets us apart — one where people thrive, contribute meaningfully, continue to learn and grow, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
About the Role
You will be the project lead and functional expert responsible for completing the implementation of our new payroll solution. Much of the foundational work is already in place — most system configuration and process mapping are complete — but we need an experienced specialist to pick up the project, refine what’s been built, support the change management, and drive it through to delivery.
Some configuration adjustments will be required along with data cleansing, data migration, leave balance validation, and parallel pay runs. Once the core system is successfully implemented, you will also lead the configuration and rollout of two additional modules.
You will:
- Take ownership of the implementation plan and drive delivery
- Validate, complete, and optimise system configuration
- Lead data cleansing, migration, and reconciliation activities
- Work collaboratively with Payroll, P&P, Finance, Digital, and our external vendor
- Establish and manage final testing phases (SIT, UAT, regression testing)
- Ensure full compliance with NZ legislation, including Holidays Act requirements
- Support the organisation in preparing for go-live, including reviewing training materials and process documentation
- Provide expert advice, challenge assumptions where appropriate, and support wellinformed decisionmaking
- Drive the project confidently through to golive, ensuring stability, accuracy, and a smooth transition
About Craigs Investment Partners
Craigs Investment Partners (Craigs) is a multi-award-winning investment advisory firm and one of the largest in New Zealand. With 20 offices nationwide and over 600 employees, we provide investment solutions and advice to private investors, corporates, and institutional clients.
Why Craigs?
We pride ourselves on creating an environment where our people feel they belong, can bring their best selves to work, and feel genuinely valued. We grow with our clients and communities and are committed to doing what’s right.
Our values guide how we work:
- We are stronger together
- We strive for excellence
- We put people first
- We do what’s right
To learn more about working at Craigs, visit our Careers page.
How to Apply
If this opportunity sounds like you, please submit your application online. We will be interviewing suitable candidates as applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.
About You
You will bring:
- Proven experience leading or delivering payroll system implementations — experience with Frontier, iChris is strongly preferred
- Strong knowledge of NZ payroll legislation, including the Holidays Act
- Excellent project coordination and workflow management capability
- A practical, hands on approach and the willingness to “roll up your sleeves”
- Confidence working with vendors, technical teams, and senior stakeholders
- High attention to detail, analytical strength, and strong documentation skills
- The ability to identify gaps, anticipate issues, and implement proactive solutions
- Calm, clear communication and a focus on delivering highquality outcomes
- Experience in financial services or highly regulated environments (preferred)
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
