Functional Solution Architect

As a Functional Solution Architect - SAP Payroll, you will lead the design and implementation of scalable, compliant, and standardized payroll solutions for our Managed Services customers. You will play a key role in driving SAP Payroll transformation projects in Germany, ensuring alignment with the Zalaris Standard Solution and our ZASAM (Zalaris Smart Activate Methodology) - a modern SAP implementation approach enhanced with AI. This role combines solution architecture, project leadership, and client advisory, with strong focus on standardization, automation, and AI-enabled delivery. Your Responsibilities

• Architect end-to-end SAP Payroll solutions, including payroll setup, employee data management, integrations, and finance postings
• Define and manage global templates while aligning local UK & Ireland payroll requirements
• Lead SAP Payroll implementation projects across all phases using ZASAM methodology
• Drive high-quality delivery by owning key design decisions, risks, and escalations
• Actively leverage AI tools to improve solution design, system setup, testing, and payroll validation
• Identify opportunities to automate payroll processes and improve efficiency through technology
• Advise customers on payroll transformation and guide them towards standard, scalable solutions
• Ensure adherence to Zalaris governance, standards, and documentation practices
• Collaborate closely with project managers, integration architects, and operations teams across projects
• Mentor consultants and contribute to capability building within the team

Do you have experience in Solution architecture?, * Extensive experience as SAP Payroll Consultant, Lead Consultant, or Solution Architect

• Proven track record in end-to-end SAP Payroll implementations (ECC or ECP)
• Experience working in multi-country or global payroll environments

Technical & Functional Skills

• Strong knowledge of SAP HCM Payroll, particularly UK & Ireland
• Experience with payroll schemas, wage types, and statutory reporting
• Solid understanding of integrations (e.g. SAP CPI, APIs, interfaces)
• Good understanding of payroll accounting, finance integration, and data migration processes

AI & Innovation

• Practical experience with AI tools in delivery, or strong motivation to adopt and apply AI in daily work
• Ability to use AI to improve solution design, testing, and process optimisation

Professional Skills

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to lead workshops and influence decision-making
• Structured, analytical, and solution-oriented approach
• High level of ownership and accountability

Advantages

• SuccessFactors or SAP certifications
• Broader experience in payroll transformation or advisory
• Exposure to automation, digitalisation, or process improvement initiatives

Pulled from the full job description

• Referral programme
• Employee mentoring programme
• Annual leave
• Sick pay
• Sabbatical
• Employee assistance programme
• Company pension, What we offer - Financial benefits
• Customer and Employee Referral schemes
• Occupational sick pay (9 weeks)
• Occupational maternity leave package (12 weeks)
• Life assurance (3x basic salary)
• Employer pensions contributions of 5%
• Bonus scheme with accelerators
• Private Medical Insurance (with option to add dependents)
• Employee education and apprenticeship opportunities (i.e. free SAP learning and/or relevant qualifications)
• Financial rewards for long service and achievements
• Free eye tests
• Monthly ZALOTTO! (£100 cash prize draw)

What we offer - Non-Financial benefits

• Work-life balance and flexibility ethos
• Strong leadership with an open-door policy
• Non-hierarchical approach to people management
• Company social and team bonding events
• Annual Leave Purchase scheme
• Additional leave for Long Service (+1d holiday from start of 5th year of service)
• Sabbatical
• Corporate branded merchandise
• Employee recognition program
• Zalaris mentorship program
• Mental health support
• Employee Assistance Programme ("Zealth")
• Paid time off for community volunteering ("The Good Zeed")
• Retirement (financial) information pack (from our pension provider, 6 months prior to retirement)

Zalaris is a rapidly expanding global leader in Tech HR and payroll solutions. We're big enough for you to grow and be a part of an international environment but small enough for you to be visible and truly make a difference. We foster open communication and short decision-making paths that encourage creative and innovative thinking.