Payroll Operations Director - Remote

United Health Group is a health care and well-being company that's dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, United Healthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a team that shares your passion for helping others.

Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Payroll Operations Director is responsible for leading the day-to-day execution, governance, and continuous improvement of payroll operations. This role oversees key payroll functions and ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while driving operational excellence, process standardization, and service delivery.

The director will partner closely with Payroll Accounting, Payroll Tax, Benefits, HR, People Technology, Finance, Compliance, and external vendors to optimize payroll processes, improve associate experience, and reduce operational risk. This leader must have the ability to build and sustain a high-performing organization that delivers operational and strategic value while maintaining compliance, scalability, and readiness for future growth and transformation initiatives.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely
* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

• Provide leadership and oversight of payroll operational functions, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for all supported populations
• Drive operational excellence through process standardization, automation, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead, develop, and coach Payroll Operations leaders and team members through training, performance management, succession planning, and recognition
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), service levels, quality metrics, and compliance measures
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations, company policies, and internal controls
• Partner with Payroll Tax, Payroll Accounting, Benefits, Leave Administration, Time & Labor, HR Operations, and People Technology teams to resolve complex payroll issues
• Diagnose complex payroll processing challenges, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Oversee payroll operational readiness for organizational changes, system updates, acquisitions, divestitures, and business transformation initiatives
• Lead testing, validation, and deployment activities related to payroll system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations
• Ensure payroll processes are appropriately documented, maintained, and continuously updated
• Drive resolution of escalated associate payroll inquiries and sensitive payroll matters, ensuring a positive associate experience
• Develop and maintain solid partnerships with business leaders, HR partners, Finance, Compliance, Internal Audit, and external vendors
• Provide strategic recommendations regarding payroll operations, process efficiency, risk mitigation, and service delivery improvements
• Support year-end payroll activities, audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory reporting requirements
• Ensure operational readiness and business continuity plans are maintained and tested.
• Serve as a payroll operations subject matter expert and trusted advisor for enterprise-wide initiatives impacting payroll
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned

You'll be rewarded and recognized…