Director of Payroll (3545)

Director of Payroll

Lead with ownership. Deliver with precision. Scale with confidence.

We are seeking an experienced and highly disciplined Director of Payrollto lead payroll operations for ~10,000 employees across the United States. This role requires a technically strong payroll professional with deep, hands-on UKG experience and a proven ability to lead a structured, deadline-driven payroll function.

The Director of Payroll is fully accountable for ensuring payroll is processed accurately and delivered on time across multiple pay cycles. This individual will lead a team of professionals and must be comfortable navigating complexity, managing conflict, and driving accountability within a defined operational structure.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations Leadership

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for ~10,000 U.S.-based employees
• Manage multiple pay cycles with strict adherence to deadlines
• Ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and timely disbursement without exception
• Personally process payroll when necessary to ensure continuity and control
• Manage technical payroll functions, including system configuration, payroll calculations, and NACHA file creation
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and regulatory requirements

UKG System Ownership (Critical Requirement)

• Serve as the subject matter expert for UKG
• Leverage advanced UKG functionality to ensure payroll accuracy and efficiency
• Troubleshoot system issues and drive resolution independently
• Optimize workflows and controls within UKG to support operational excellence
• Partner with internal stakeholders on system enhancements, integrations, and reporting needs

Leadership & Accountability

• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of six hourly payroll team members
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold team members accountable to deadlines and quality standards
• Monitor KPIs, productivity, schedules, and overtime usage
• Address performance issues and conflict with professionalism and decisiveness
• Provide mentorship and technical coaching to strengthen team capability
• Participate in hiring and interviewing to ensure strong technical and cultural fit

Process Discipline & Continuous Improvement

• Execute and reinforce established payroll structures and controls
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce errors
• Support payroll readiness in periods of growth or organizational change
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment and operational accuracy

Qualifications

• Extensive payroll leadership experience in large, multi-state U.S. organizations
• Required: Advanced, hands-on UKG experience
• Strong technical payroll expertise with the ability to independently process payroll
• Experience managing multiple pay cycles
• Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations
• Demonstrated ability to lead with structure, accountability, and professionalism
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate is a confident and structured leader who prioritizes accountability, operational discipline, and results. This individual is comfortable leading through ambiguity, addressing conflict directly, and maintaining high standards in a fast-paced payroll environment.

This is a critical leadership role where accuracy, timeliness, and ownership are essential. If you are a technically proficient payroll leader with strong UKG expertise and a commitment to operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.