Role: Senior Manager, Payroll Operations
Status: Full-Time
Location: Hybrid - Grand Rapids, MI
Role OverviewThe
Senior Manager, Payroll Operations, will lead a high-performing payroll team responsible for accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery in a fast-paced, multi-state environment. This role requires a strong people leader who can coach and develop payroll professionals, strengthen accountability and collaboration, improve scalable payroll processes, and provide a responsive, customer-focused service model for employees and agency partners.
Key Leadership ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & Development- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of eight to ten Payroll professionals, creating a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous learning.
- Conduct performance management activities, including goal setting, performance reviews, career development planning, and succession planning.
- Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that promotes collaboration, employee motivation, and retention.
- Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and service-level objectives for the payroll team.
- Recognize and reward team achievements while proactively addressing performance challenges.
- Drive employee engagement initiatives and create opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
Payroll Operations Leadership- Provide strategic oversight for all payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing of multi-state payroll.
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure payroll accuracy, productivity, compliance, and service delivery.
- Manage payroll escalations and complex employee issues while serving as the senior point of contact for payroll-related matters.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax requirements, garnishments, and benefit deductions.
- Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, and agency leadership to align payroll services with organizational objectives.
Process Improvement & Strategic Initiatives- Lead payroll transformation initiatives and continuous process improvement efforts to increase efficiency and scalability.
- Identify automation opportunities and implement best practices to optimize payroll operations.
- Oversee payroll system enhancements, testing, upgrades, and vendor relationships.
- Utilize payroll metrics and reporting to support strategic decision-making and resource planning.
Employee & Stakeholder Partnership- Build trusted relationships with business leaders, HR partners, and agency stakeholders.
- Ensure a high-quality employee experience by promoting responsive, solution-oriented payroll service.
- Influence and guide stakeholders through payroll-related changes, process improvements, and compliance initiatives.
Preferred QualificationsExperience- 7+ years of progressive payroll experience.
- 3+ years of direct people management experience leading payroll professionals.
- Demonstrated success building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams.
- Experience managing multi-state payroll operations and payroll compliance.
- Experience leading payroll process improvement and system implementation initiatives.
- Paycor experience preferred.
Leadership Competencies- Inspirational leadership and team-building skills.
- Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities.
- Ability to drive employee engagement and organizational change.
- Strong conflict resolution and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic thinking combined with operational execution.
