Director, Payroll Strategy & Operations at Jobot Irvine, CA

Job Description

Seeking Global Payroll Director for a High-Growth International Organization

Position:
Director, Payroll Strategy & Operations

Location:

Irvine, CA

Salary: $140,000 - $180,000 per year

A global publicly traded company is seeking a Director of Payroll Strategy & Operations. Hybrid 2/3x per week on site.

• Competitive Compensation
• Annual Incentive Bonus:
  Performance-based, paid annually
• Rich benefits package
• 401k with a 4% employer match
• Hybrid Schedule
• Entrepreneurial work environment
• Mentorship and professional development resources
• Hybrid or remote work arrangement

Why Us?

• Strategic Function:
  Payroll is treated as a front-facing, high-impact function, not just back-office.
• M&A Exposure:
  Opportunity to participate in mergers & acquisitions, provide recommendations, and influence global payroll strategy.
• High-Performing Team:
  Join a well-organized, structured, and supported team
• Development-Focused Culture:
  Coaching, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.
• Executive Engagement:
  Direct interaction with C-suite and General Counsel, providing visibility and influence.
• Impactful Work:
  Shape global payroll processes, policies, and strategy.
• Autonomy & Leadership:
  Operate independently in ambiguous situations while influencing organizational decisions.
• Professional Respect:
  Payroll is recognized as a critical strategic function within the organization.
• Supportive Culture:
  Team culture emphasizes reflection, learning, and continuous improvement.

We are seeking a strategic, hands‑on Global Payroll Director to lead our payroll function across the U.S., Canada & Australia.

This role will oversee a high‑performing team and partner closely with the C‑Suite to ensure seamless payroll operations, compliance, and executive‑level stock administration. This is an opportunity to join an organized, forward‑thinking team where payroll is treated as a strategic function, not just back‑office processing.

• Lead the global payroll function with direct oversight of a team of five.
• Administer and advise on RSUs, equity plans, and related executive‑level compensation matters.
• Support mergers & acquisitions, including payroll due diligence, recommendations, and process simplification.
• Operate independently in ambiguous situations, providing principled guidance and firm decision‑making.
• Partner with executives, General Counsel, and cross‑functional teams while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Drive continuous improvement of payroll systems, processes, and reporting, leveraging Workday or comparable HRIS tools.
• Foster a collaborative, development‑focused team culture, ensuring team members are coached and empowered to succeed.

• Extensive U.S. payroll experience across all 50 states.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll practices.
• Hands‑on experience with RSU/equity administration and executive compensation.
• Proficiency in Workday Payroll or similar HR/payroll systems.
• Strong strategic, operational, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to engage confidently at all levels of the organization.

• Advanced Excel skills and comfort with data analysis.
• Exposure to international payroll beyond North America.
• Experience in M&A payroll integration or due diligence.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization.

Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Jobot is on a mission to connect good people with good jobs. By combining AI-powered technology with the expertise of Jobot Pros, our experienced recruiters, we help you find career opportunities that align with your goals and values. Founded in 2018 and employee-owned since 2024, Jobot is committed to fostering a culture of kindness, respect, innovation, and connection. As an industry leader, we’ve been recognized as a top workplace by Forbes, Fortune, USA Today, and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

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