Senior HRIS Manager

Own the UKG payroll ecosystem end-to-end configuration, workflow design, integrations, controls, reporting, and releases to deliver accurate, compliant, on-time payroll for NexCore Group and Experience Senior Living (ESL). Blend deep payroll, benefits, and HR operations expertise with automation, analytics, and AI-enabled workflows to eliminate manual work, strengthen data integrity and audit readiness, and elevate the team member experience. Lead a high-performing team and drive continuous improvement through strong product ownership and disciplined process engineering. This position is hybrid with a preference of 3 days in our Denver office. Key Responsibilities UKG / HRIS Payroll Platform Ownership & Digital Optimization Own UKG payroll as functional product owner: configuration, workflows, timekeeping/payroll integration, and data governance Engineer system-driven validations, controls, and exception reporting to catch issues pre-payroll and reduce rework Drive automation (including AI-assisted workflows where appropriate) to eliminate manual workarounds; document business rules and ensure adoption Lead requirements, testing, and release/change management for UKG upgrades and enhancements; manage impacts to payroll, benefits, and HR processes Partner with People/HR, Benefits, IT, and vendors to ensure clean upstream transactions and scalable integrations/service standards Payroll Operations & Accuracy Lead end-to-end payroll execution with the Payroll Manager for multi-entity, multi-state populations; define ownership, controls, and handoffs Ensure accurate, compliant, on-time payroll through governed calendars, cutoffs, validations, and close procedures Use analytics and automated controls to improve accuracy, predictability, and cycle time Process Design & Workflow Efficiency Redesign hire-to-pay, time-to-pay, and term-to-pay workflows with an automation-first mindset; standardize handoffs and reduce risk Maintain SOPs, control points, and escalation paths; keep documentation current as processes and systems change Prioritize and deliver a continuous improvement roadmap across systems, processes, and service levels as the organization scales Customer Service & Team Member Experience Serve as an escalation point for team members and leaders on payroll/UKG issues; drive fast, accurate resolution Fix issues at the source through system configuration, workflow changes, training, and better data-entry standards Enable self-service through knowledge articles, job aids, FAQs, and manager toolkits aligned to UKG processes Track service standards and issue trends; use reporting to prioritize automation and process improvements Reconciliations, Audit & Compliance Oversee pre- and post-payroll reconciliations with repeatable checklists and system-based controls Ensure audit readiness through documentation, access governance, and system audit trails Partner with Payroll Manager and Accounting on compliance, payroll accounting/GL alignment, and variance resolution Accounting & Finance Partnership Partner with Accounting/Finance on payroll journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, audit documentation, and alignment to financial reporting Support month-end and year-end payroll close activities Qualifications Required Advanced HRIS expertise; ability to translate business needs into UKG configuration, workflows, controls, and measurable outcomes Strong UKG proficiency (UKG Pro preferred), including reporting, testing/release support, and payroll/timekeeping integration 10+ years progressive payroll experience; multi-state and multi-entity required Benefits and HR operations knowledge impacting payroll (eligibility, deductions, leave/LOA, terminations) with ability to ensure clean data flow Strong knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour compliance, and tax requirements Data-driven, service-oriented leader with high attention to detail and strong stakeholder communication Preferred Industry experience in real estate, healthcare, senior living, or similarly complex environments Led UKG implementations/upgrades/integrations or payroll/timekeeping redesigns CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) preferred Experience supporting growth and scaling organizations Exposure to automation/AI solutions, advanced analytics, or service/case management UKG/HRIS product ownership and payroll optimization Workflow design, automation, and continuous improvement Integrations, testing discipline, and release/change management Data, controls, reconciliation, and audit readiness People leadership and cross-functional partnership High judgment, discretion, and service mindset Compensation: $100,000 - $115,000 / year Eligible for discretionary benefits: annual performance bonus target Eligible for standard employee benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, FSA, HSA, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance (employee and dependents), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), vacation days, sick days, and other benefits Disclaimer To All Recruitment Agencies – NexCore Group does not accept unsolicited third-party resumes. NexCore Group knows that when we welcome different points of view, it makes us better, stronger, and moves us boldly forward in becoming a world-class company. That is why we’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage all qualified talent to apply. Your application will be reviewed regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. If you are interested in applying for a position with NexCore Group and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr