Systems Administrator -Payroll & HRIS

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Summerset is seeking a Systems Administrator – Payroll/ P&C to join the Shared Services team. This hands-on role configures, tests, upgrades and optimises our P&C and payroll platforms, notably TechnologyOne and Optima, using SQL to interrogate data and support reporting, while partnering with Payroll, P&C, Finance, IT and vendors to translate needs into practical solutions. You’ll own UAT, drive process improvements and maintain strong controls around access and security. Ideal candidates have payroll or HR systems experience, a solid understanding of payroll processes, and a proactive ownership mindset; TechnologyOne or Optima experience helps, as does SQL and advanced Excel. This hybrid role is based in Wellington or Auckland (other NZ locations possible) with two WFH days and free Southern Cross. Applications close 31 July 2026.

Company Description

You can help bring our villages to life! 

Bring your HRIS and payroll systems expertise to a role where you can make a real impact across People & Culture, Payroll and the wider business.

At Summerset, we are passionate about creating vibrant communities where our residents can live the life they choose. Behind that is a committed support office team that helps our people work smarter, improve processes, and deliver a great experience for our employees, leaders and residents.

Job Description

We are looking for a Systems Administrator –Payroll/ P&C to join our Shared Services team. This is a hands-on technical systems role, responsible for configuring, testing, maintaining and improving our P&C and payroll systems so they deliver operational efficiency, compliance and a great user experience.

This role suits someone who enjoys working closely with stakeholders to understand requirements but also has the technical capability to take the next step and implement the solution. You will partner with P&C, Payroll, Finance, IT, leaders and vendors to understand the problem, configure the fix, complete UAT and functional testing, run upgrades and make the system hum.

What you’ll be doing

• Act as the technical systems specialist for our P&C and payroll platforms, including TechnologyOne and Optima.
• Configure system changes, complete UAT and functional testing, run upgrades and support new functionality.
• Use SQL to understand data, investigate issues, support reporting and help identify the right technical fix.
• Work with stakeholders to uncover requirements, identify gaps and turn business problems into practical system solutions.
• Partner with Payroll to improve processes, data integrity, validation, reconciliation and issue resolution.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues.
• Support reporting, dashboards, access, security profiles and permissions to maintain strong controls.
• Develop user resources, documentation and guidance to build confidence and support system adoption.

You will bring good technical systems capability, payroll and HR process knowledge, and the confidence to take ownership. You are curious, proactive and comfortable finding the requirements rather than waiting for them to be handed to you.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

• Demonstrated experience and confidence working with payroll and/or HR systems is a must have, including system configuration, testing, process optimisation and operational controls. Experience with TechnologyOne would be an advantage.
• Experience working with payroll systems and processes, ideally including Optima or a similar workforce management platform.
• Strong understanding of payroll functions, HR processes, data flows, controls and compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience with configuration, UAT, functional testing, upgrades and system issue resolution.
• Ideally SQL/database skills, advanced Excel capability and confidence working with data and reporting.
• The ability to work with stakeholders, ask the right questions, identify what is missing and implement practical solutions.
• Clear communication, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive continuous improvement mindset, with the confidence to take ownership, challenge the status quo and make things better.

Additional Information

This is a great opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation in a role where your systems expertise will directly support better outcomes for our people and the business. 

Some of our great benefits include:

• Flexible working -2 WFH days per week
• Location is Wellington or Auckland but other NZ locations will be considered. 
• Free Southern Cross Health Essentials 

Ready to apply?

If you are an experienced P&C systems professional with strong payroll knowledge and a passion for continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and bring your expertise to a team that is focused on making work easier, smarter and more connected. Applications close on the 31st July 2026.