Job Description
Our client is looking for a Payroll Director to lead payroll operations supporting a diverse, multi-state workforce that includes both union and non-union employees. This role owns all payroll functions, strategic and day-to-day, while also serving as the organization's HRIS leader, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with collective bargaining agreements and legal requirements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in union payroll, HRIS/system integrations, and process improvement, with a focus on building a collaborative, high-performing team.
Location: Hybrid - 2-3 days per week on-site in San Francisco.
What You'll Do
- Lead payroll teams to ensure accurate and timely processing across multiple divisions and regions
- Own the HRIS platform strategy and administration, serving as the primary business owner for system configuration, upgrades, and integrations
- Manage union benefit contributions, wage deductions, and compliance with collective bargaining agreements
- Oversee payroll governance and internal controls to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
- Partner with HR, Finance, and IT to streamline processes and integrate payroll and HRIS systems across the organization
- Drive continuous improvement and implement solutions to operational challenges, resolving issues quickly and effectively
- Maintain current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure alignment with evolving business needs
- Stay current on changes in payroll legislation and communicate key updates to employees and business partners
- Lead with a focus on efficiency, innovation, and employee experience
What You Bring
- Demonstrated experience with Workday implementation and optimization, along with a strong background in national payroll operations and processes
- 10+ years of payroll leadership experience in complex, multi-entity organizations
- 5+ years managing union payroll, preferably within transportation, hospitality, or travel industries
- Proven experience leading the implementation of a new enterprise HR and payroll platform, driving data integrity, automation, and process improvement at scale
- Strong working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and related compliance
- Expertise with cloud-based payroll systems and HRIS platforms such as ADP, Kronos, Workday, or UKG
- Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace and project management tools
- Strong understanding of FLSA, wage and hour laws, and tax regulations
- Proven track record of developing high-performing teams and scalable payroll operations
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
- ADP experience preferred
- Experience with Workday or UKG
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation
- Experience interpreting and implementing union agreements
- Experience leading payroll integrations following acquisitions or system migrations