Position OverviewThe Director, Global Payroll & HR Systems is a dual-impact, hands-on leadership role that operates at both the strategic and tactical levels. Make no mistake: this is a true BUILDER role. You will architect and optimize our HR technology stack while actively managing day-to-day payroll execution, system health, and global employee onboarding.
We are looking for an automation-obsessed systems expert who thrives on making HR operations "run like a machine." You will lead the implementation of HRIS platforms (Rippling experience is highly desired), manage automated workflows, and ensure 100% data integrity across all people metrics. If you love replacing manual work with seamless, out-of-the-box tech solutions, leveraging generative AI to accelerate administrative workflows, and scaling global operations, this role is for you.
This position is based in Phoenix, Arizona.
Key ResponsibilitiesHRIS Implementation, System Health & AI Automation- Lead the end-to-end evaluation, selection, and implementation of new HRIS platforms and related HR technologies.
- Design, build, and manage system integrations and automated workflows utilizing native HRIS capabilities (e.g., Rippling's workflow builder) to connect our core IT/communication tools (Slack, Google Workspace), ATS, and finance software for seamless data flow.
- Act as the internal pioneer for HR AI integration, utilizing generative AI models (e.g., Google Gemini, Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT) to draft SOPs, rapidly format and clean large data sets, and eliminate repetitive administrative tasks.
- Design, author, and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process maps for all global HR, payroll, and systems workflows to ensure absolute clarity and scalability.
- Serve as the ultimate owner of HR system health, troubleshooting technical issues, managing vendor relationships, and releasing system updates.
- Relentlessly audit existing workflows to eliminate manual trackers (e.g., spreadsheets) and manual data entry at every touchpoint.
Global Onboarding & Lifecycle Management- Manage and execute the end-to-end onboarding process for every new hire, ensuring a flawless, automated, and welcoming experience across all markets (US, EMEA, APAC).
- Ensure all onboarding documents and compliance forms are electronically signed and processed prior to start dates, guaranteeing every employee is fully provisioned and ready for Day One.
- Manage the system architecture and lifecycle workflows for a blended global workforce, ensuring accurate configuration and administration of direct hires, Employer of Record (EOR), and Contractor of Record (COR) contracts within the HRIS.
- Build and maintain automated rules for employee lifecycle events, including provisioning, role changes, promotions, and offboarding.
Payroll Automation & Execution- To be clear: this is not a traditional payroll administrator role. Your primary objective is to optimize the payroll infrastructure so that it effectively "processes itself," aggressively utilizing system rules to eliminate human interaction wherever possible.
- Oversee accurate, timely, and compliant payroll execution across all markets by building zero-touch pipelines for salaried, hourly, and commissioned employees.
- Drive the total automation of time-tracking, benefits deductions, and off-cycle payouts to achieve a frictionless, error-free payroll cycle.
- Partner with Finance and Accounting to architect seamless payroll reconciliation, accurate GL mapping, and integrated tax filings without the need for manual spreadsheets.
- Manage multi-state and international payroll registration and compliance across US, EMEA, and APAC; oversee global payroll execution through our unified platform.
Data Integrity, Analytics & Reporting- Own HR data integrity, establishing rigorous daily/weekly audit protocols to ensure information is always 100% accurate across all platforms.
- Equip managers and executive leadership with the appropriate access, tools, and self-service reporting mechanisms to make real-time, data-driven decisions.
- Design, build, and distribute real-time HR dashboards, automated reports, and people analytics (e.g., headcount, turnover, time-to-fill).
- Create automated compliance reporting (e.g., EEO-1, ACA, state pay data) in partnership with the HR Compliance team.
Qualifications & Requirements- Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- Certifications: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP), or relevant HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP) are preferred.
- Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in HRIS management, Payroll, and HR Operations, operating in both strategic and tactical capacities.
- Implementation Leadership: Proven track record of leading complex, end-to-end HRIS implementations and data migrations. Exceptional project management skills. (Experience implementing and administering Rippling is a massive plus).
- Systems & Automation Mastery: Deep understanding of native HRIS workflow builders and system architecture. Experience integrating tools like Slack and Google Workspace into HR workflows is a strong plus.
- AI Fluency: Practical knowledge of how to apply AI tools (Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT) to accelerate administrative work, generate policies, and format data.
- Payroll Mastery: Extensive hands-on experience processing US multi-state payroll. (Experience with international payroll execution and managing EOR/COR models in APAC and EMEA is a strong plus).
- Data Privacy: Unwavering discretion and ethical standards when handling highly sensitive PII, executive compensation, and proprietary company information.
- Builder Mentality: Impeccable organizational skills and attention to detail. You are a highly proactive problem-solver who can seamlessly juggle daily execution with massive global implementation projects.
About the TeamOur team is analytical, fast-moving, and solutions-driven. We combine data, teamwork, and innovation to deliver world-class autonomous vehicle operations. If you're a hands-on leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about improving systems, people, and performance, you'll fit right in.
