Assistant Director-Payroll Operations Leader- Retirement Services

Assistant Director-Payroll Operations Leader – Retirement Services

We’re looking for a strategic, people‑focused Payroll Operations Leader to oversee the day‑to‑day delivery of payroll services within our Retirement business. This leader will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for retirement plan contributions, set ups and integrations. You’ll guide a high‑performing team, drive operational excellence, and partner across the organization to strengthen processes that directly impact plan sponsors, participants, and internal stakeholders.

• Lead and develop a team of 5+ direct reports and oversee a span of ≈60 employees, including dotted‑line accountability to ≈90 global employees
• Deliver operational results for daily payroll operations supporting retirement plan processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to internal and regulatory standards
• Collaborate with cross‑functional partners—including Client Services, Compliance, Technology, and Finance—to resolve issues and enhance service delivery
• Monitor performance metrics, analyze trends, and implement solutions that improve quality and operational outcomes
• Lead and support operational initiatives, system enhancements, and process improvement projects within the payroll function
• Provide data‑driven insights and recommendations to improve service delivery and operational performance
• Lead, mentor, and develop teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
• Contribute to special projects and perform additional duties as needed to support the broader Retirement Services organization

• 8+ years of experience in operations, service delivery, payroll administration, payroll integrations or a related functional area—experience in retirement plan payroll processing required
• Proven leader in managing operations teams with demonstrated success in driving performance and developing talent
• Strong understanding of retirement plan operations, payroll cycles, contribution and distribution processing, payroll integrations, regulatory frameworks, and plan rules
• Proven ability to lead teams through change, influence stakeholders, and drive operational excellence
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and implement scalable solutions
• High integrity, strong customer focus, and commitment to ethical operations

• Strong background in retirement plan platforms, payroll integrations/vendors, and financial reconciliation
• Ability to anticipate service needs, translate feedback into action, and empower front‑line teams with the tools and training they need to exceed expectations
• Strategic Thinking:
  Ability to develop roadmaps, analyze workflows, and implement initiatives that scale efficiently across the organization
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• People Development:
  Experience coaching leaders, managing performance, and cultivating a positive team culture focused on growth and engagement

Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non‑sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

$127000 – $171000 / year

Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short‑term illness. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.

Yes

This role offers in‑office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a…