Payroll and Timekeeping Director

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START:
No

CLEARANCE TYPE:
None

TRAVEL:
Yes, 10% of the Time

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people’s lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation’s history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon.

We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they’re making history.

Northrop Grumman is looking for a Payroll & Timekeeping Director. This position will be located in Irving, Texas and offer partial telework.

The Payroll & Timekeeping Director will lead the Financial Shared Services teams supporting Northrop Grumman payroll and timekeeping processes. The Payroll & Timekeeping Director leads end‑to‑end payroll processing and time‑keeping operations for a global workforce, ensuring accurate, timely payments and compliance with all tax, labor, and defense‑related regulations. They oversee the integration and optimization of payroll and time‑keeping systems (including SAPS/4, Workday, and related tools), drive automation and continuous‑improvement initiatives, and manage relationships with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and auditors.

Additionally, they provide strategic reporting and analytics to senior leadership, and guide large‑scale system conversions and change‑management efforts.

The Payroll & Timekeeping Director will report to the Financial Shared Services Director, will be highly visible to executive leadership, and will be a key player in establishing a best‑in‑class Financial Shared Services team at Northrop Grumman.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end payroll function for a multi‑site, global workforce (90,000+ employees).
• Oversee accurate, timely processing of all payroll cycles, including regular, supplemental, and off‑cycle runs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international tax regulations and labor statutes.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and IT to integrate payroll systems with HRIS, benefits, time‑keeping, and reporting platforms.
• Manage a team of payroll managers, analysts, and specialists; provide coaching, performance reviews, and career development.
• Drive automation initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce error rates.
• Prepare and present payroll metrics, dashboards, and executive reports with insights and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Lead audit readiness activities; respond to internal and external audit inquiries.
• Foster a culture of data security and confidentiality in accordance with industry standards.

This role will demand excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities. Candidates will need to demonstrate effective communication skills and be able to translate complex payroll issues to non‑technical audiences and senior executives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible payroll experience, with at least 10 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent professional certification.
• Demonstrated expertise with large‑scale payroll systems (e.g., Workday, SAP, ADP, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of US payroll tax regulations and experience with international payroll concepts.
• Proven track record of leading process improvements and automation projects.

• Graduate degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Experience with in the aerospace/defense industry or with…