Payroll Technical Lead

An exciting opportunity to join NZ Customs as a Payroll Technical Lead is now available.

Are you a payroll expert with a passion for systems, compliance, and continuous improvement?

We're looking for a Payroll Technical Lead to join our payroll team and drive excellence in payroll operations and technology.

This role is a full-time permanent position based in our Wellington Customhouse.

About this role | Mo tenei turanga mahi

Reporting to the Team Leader HRIS Payroll and Reporting, the role of the Payroll Technical Lead is responsible for the management of the payroll system, is the expert for technical payroll queries and provides technical training and support for the payroll team.

This is a pivotal role within our HR People & Capability team, where you'll lead technical improvements, support complex payroll processes, and collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to deliver accurate, efficient, and future-ready payroll services.

As the Payroll Technical Lead, you will be the go-to expert for payroll system improvements, processes, and compliance.

You'll lead the technical aspects of payroll delivery, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with legislative requirements.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys solving complex payroll challenges.

It is a requirement that the successful candidate will need to have PayGlobal experience.

Salary : $95,000 - $110,000 (dependent on relevant skillset and experience).

To be successful as Payroll Technical Lead, the appointee requires the following knowledge, experience, skills, qualifications and / or personal attributes :

• Extensive experience working in HRIS / Payroll within central government and / or relevant specialist knowledge.
• Proven experience working with PayGlobal payroll systems in a technical or systems-focused role.
• Strong understanding of position management and its impact on payroll and HR data integrity.
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to apply relevant legislation and organisational policy e.g Holidays Act, Income Tax Act, and ACC Act.
• Extensive computer system experience, including familiarity with HRIS / Payroll data and processing.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective internal and external relationships.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and written and the ability to communicate complex and analytical data to wide ranging audiences at all levels.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify problems, manage or mitigate risks and implement innovative solutions that align with strategic direction.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, managing your own time, prioritising & planning project tasks or groups of activities and managing all aspects within specified timeframes.
• Proven experience providing technical leadership to a team or overseeing activities relating to training and development of a team.
• An approachable and transparent operating style with a 'can do' attitude and desire to find workable solutions.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant academic discipline is desirable or relevant working experience.

Working at Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Arai o Aotearoa

We aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges.

We are an organisation that is clear about our mission, and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values).

Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.

We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through :

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or NZ permanent resident.

You may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries : either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA.

You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level.

Due to the nature of Customs work, you must have a clear Police record.

The successful applicant will also be required to pass a drug test.

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter, via our online process.

(Please note, we do not accept applications sent directly to an email address).

If you have any specific questions about the role, please contact Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at

Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.

We will be shortlisting as applications are received, so encourage early application as this role may close earlier than the current closing date below.

Applications close at 11pm, 30 September 2025.

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Arai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace.

We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.

We also offer flexible working arrangements.