Manager, Payroll Systems & Special Projects

POSITION OVERVIEW

Leads payroll systems operations, process improvement initiatives, operational analytics, and special payroll projects to ensure efficient, compliant, and scalable payroll delivery. Serves as the operational owner for payroll systems support, issue prioritization, testing coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives impacting U.S. and Canadian payroll operations.

Partners closely with Payroll Operations, Payroll IT, HRIS, Finance, and external vendors to drive system functionality, operational effectiveness, compliance, and service delivery. Manages payroll-related projects, operational enhancements, and cross-functional initiatives while providing leadership and technical expertise in complex payroll environments, union requirements, and evolving business needs.

• Serve as the functional owner and subject matter expert for payroll systems, interfaces, and operational processes.
• Partner with Payroll IT to prioritize configuration reviews, issue resolution, system enhancements, and operational support activities.
• Ensure payroll system configuration and processes align with operational requirements, compliance standards, collective bargaining agreements, and business needs.
• Establish and maintain operational procedures, documentation standards, and governance practices supporting payroll system effectiveness.

• Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, automation initiatives, and operational improvement projects.
• Manage project execution, timelines, resource coordination, testing activities, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communications.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to identify and implement process efficiencies, automation opportunities, and operational improvements.
• Develop and execute project plans, operational roadmaps, and implementation strategies supporting payroll objectives.

• Lead resolution of complex payroll system, interface, and operational issues impacting payroll delivery.
• Research and analyze payroll discrepancies, system defects, and operational escalations.
• Partner with Payroll Operations and IT leadership to identify root causes, establish corrective actions, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Prioritize operational issues and enhancement requests to balance compliance, business needs, and payroll service delivery requirements.

• Oversee payroll testing activities including UAT, regression testing, parallel testing, and implementation readiness assessments.
• Validate payroll data integrity and audit controls related to system changes.
• Lead change management activities, stakeholder communications, and operational readiness efforts related to system updates and process changes.
• Establish testing standards and validation procedures to ensure payroll accuracy and regulatory compliance.

• Analyze payroll system and operational data to identify trends, operational risks, compliance concerns, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop operational reporting, dashboards, performance metrics, and business insights to support leadership decision-making and operational planning.
• Lead initiatives focused on automation, standardization, operational efficiency, and service delivery improvements.
• Manage audit support activities, compliance reporting requirements, and operational analysis initiatives.
• Recommend and implement enhancements to payroll systems procedures, operational controls, and workflow standards to improve efficiency, compliance, and scalability.

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and work prioritization for payroll systems support resources and project team members.
• Support employee development, performance management, and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the Payroll organization.
• Coordinate work across internal resources, external vendors, and project teams to ensure successful execution of payroll initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and customer service.