Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the implementation of a Time & Attendance (T&A) system across 8 legal entities. The new solution will be embedded into the existing HR and payroll environment, integrating with Workday and an external payroll provider. The rollout will be executed in waves, requiring strong planning and coordination.

This position is fixed-term for one year.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the end-to-end implementation of the T&A solution across multiple entities.
• Collaborate closely with the vendor’s project manager to align timelines, deliverables, and resources.
• Identify and work with “on-site” resources to implement the T&A solution.
• Ensure seamless integration with Workday and external payroll systems.
• Work with HR, Payroll, and HR Operations teams to capture requirements and validate configurations.
• Perform data cleansing of existing schedules, rules, and configurations that are no longer in use before implementation.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws and company policies, including shift models, trust-based working time, and other work arrangements.
• Develop and maintain project plans, track progress, and manage risks/issues proactively.
• Coordinate wave-based rollout, including testing, training, and change management activities.
• Lead negotiations and discussions with the works council and managing directors/steering committee to ensure alignment and approval of project milestones.
• Provide regular status updates to stakeholders and escalate issues as needed.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Project Manager in HRIS or Time & Attendance system implementations.
• Strong understanding of workforce management, shift planning, and time tracking models.
• Knowledge of work schedule rules and tariff agreements (Chemie Tarifvertrag) is essential.
• Experience with system integration (Workday and external payroll providers preferred).
• Excellent stakeholder management and vendor coordination skills.
• Ability to manage projects across multiple legal entities and complex organizational structures.
• Familiarity with labor law compliance and trust-based working time concepts.
• Professional English and German language skills (written and spoken).
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• PMP or similar project management certification is a plus.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

People with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference if they are equally qualified.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Attendance Tracking, Communication, Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), Human Resources (HR), Human Resources Operations, Implementation Management, Labor and Employment Law, Payroll, Performance Monitoring, Process Improvements, Project Implementations, Project Management, Project Planning, Self Motivation, Stakeholder Management, Team Management

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Project Temps (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

01/6/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.