Project Manager (Payroll & Finance)2 Year Fixed Term Contract

Arup; City of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy in London is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee payroll and finance system projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing complex projects and a deep understanding of finance systems. This role offers the opportunity to lead cross-functional teams and drive meaningful change across international finance operations. This is a full-time position with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experienced in delivering complex projects from concept to completion.
• Deep understanding of finance systems, particularly payroll outsourcing.
• Confidence in managing stakeholders and navigating competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Drive the effective delivery of payroll and finance system projects.
• Execute project deliverables with stakeholder alignment.
• Coordinate internal and external project resources.
• Monitor progress and resolve issues to meet deadlines.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Organizational skills

Financial systems understanding

Tools

MS Project

Job description

Project Manager (Payroll & Finance) – 2 Year Fixed Term Contract

Join our Finance Business Services (FBS) PMO team, a central hub supporting a global change program aligned with Arup’s wider Global Finance strategy. This role offers the chance to work closely with FBS functional leaders and make a tangible impact across our international finance community. Initially, you’ll focus on supporting the Global Payroll function through the implementation of an outsourced vendor‑managed service project, with scope to expand into broader finance systems initiatives.

Is This Role Right for You?

Are you an experienced project manager with a proven track record of delivering complex projects from concept to completion. Do you thrive in dynamic, global environments and have a deep understanding of finance systems—particularly payroll outsourcing. Are you confident managing stakeholders, influencing decision‑makers, and navigating competing priorities. With strong communication and organisational skills, are you ready to lead cross‑functional teams and drive meaningful change across Arup’s finance operations.

Responsibilities

• Drive the effective delivery of payroll and finance system projects across the global Finance community
• Execute project deliverables, ensuring stakeholder alignment and timeline commitment
• Coordinate internal and external project resources and manage dependencies
• Establish and maintain frameworks for planning, scheduling, governance, and risk management
• Monitor progress, resolve issues, and escalate as needed to meet deadlines
• Build strong relationships with business process owners and manage expectations
• Lead project meetings, workshops, and reviews to identify solutions and new ways of working
• Track and report progress within governance frameworks and budget parameters
• Conduct post‑project reviews and ensure smooth handover to business‑as‑usual teams
• Maintain project documentation including briefs, execution plans, logs, and registers
• Capture lessons learned and apply insights to future projects
• Use project management tools (e.g., MS Project, risk analysis, variance analysis) for transparency and oversight

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Project Management

Location: London, England, United Kingdom