Payroll Manager
- The University of Waikato
- New Zealand, WKO
- Jul 1, 2026
Job Description:
Career opportunity plus
Lead People & Payroll – Take Charge of Complex Operations
Drive Change – Lead System & Process Improvements
Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role
Are you ready to lead a dedicated team, manage a large complex payroll and develop our payroll systems and processes?
We're looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead our payroll function and ensure the delivery of a smooth, efficient, and compliant payroll service. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead our payroll team, champion continuous improvement, and be the go-to expert for all things payroll. You’ll oversee every stage of the payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with ever-evolving legislation. You’ll lead the development and delivery of payroll systems, reporting and analytics. This is a position that calls for vision, collaboration, and a passion for operational excellence.
Our focus right now is system and process improvement for greater efficiency and better resilience. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, and this sort of challenge is right up your alley, as well as enjoy building trusted relationships across departments, this could be your next exciting career move.
This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hamilton Campus.
For more information on the role please see the position description. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.
Ko wai koe? – Who are you?
A confident and capable people leader, you bring payroll expertise with large organisation and complex payroll experience. You bring skills in payroll reporting and analytics. You are systems savvy with configuration, integration, and automation expertise. You thrive on continuous improvement and solving complex problems. You lead with integrity and build trusted relationships.
Don’t meet every single requirement?
Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.
Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?
Our motto Ko te Tangata (For the People) is at the heart of everything we do. It is our people who make this University distinctive, and the People and Capability team support all staff and managers to create a positive environment that enables our people to be successful.
Our team deliver core services relating to Talent Acquisition and Recruitment, Human Resources, Organisational Development, Payroll, Safety and Wellness, and Employment Relations.
He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?
We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.
The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.
Ko te Tangata – For the People
The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.
E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.
Applications Close on Monday, 20th July 2026
Requisition number: 1003758
The University of Waikato holds a special place in the New Zealand university system. Since its inception in 1964 when it was created by the demands of the local community, the University has shown a commitment to innovation and to...
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Job Description:
Career opportunity plus
Lead People & Payroll – Take Charge of Complex Operations
Drive Change – Lead System & Process Improvements
Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role
Are you ready to lead a dedicated team, manage a large complex payroll and develop our payroll systems and processes?
We're looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead our payroll function and ensure the delivery of a smooth, efficient, and compliant payroll service. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead our payroll team, champion continuous improvement, and be the go-to expert for all things payroll. You’ll oversee every stage of the payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with ever-evolving legislation. You’ll lead the development and delivery of payroll systems, reporting and analytics. This is a position that calls for vision, collaboration, and a passion for operational excellence.
Our focus right now is system and process improvement for greater efficiency and better resilience. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, and this sort of challenge is right up your alley, as well as enjoy building trusted relationships across departments, this could be your next exciting career move.
This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hamilton Campus.
For more information on the role please see the position description. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.
Ko wai koe? – Who are you?
A confident and capable people leader, you bring payroll expertise with large organisation and complex payroll experience. You bring skills in payroll reporting and analytics. You are systems savvy with configuration, integration, and automation expertise. You thrive on continuous improvement and solving complex problems. You lead with integrity and build trusted relationships.
Don’t meet every single requirement?
Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.
Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?
Our motto Ko te Tangata (For the People) is at the heart of everything we do. It is our people who make this University distinctive, and the People and Capability team support all staff and managers to create a positive environment that enables our people to be successful.
Our team deliver core services relating to Talent Acquisition and Recruitment, Human Resources, Organisational Development, Payroll, Safety and Wellness, and Employment Relations.
He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?
We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.
The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.
Ko te Tangata – For the People
The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.
E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.
Applications Close on Monday, 20th July 2026
Requisition number: 1003758
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