Director of Payroll

Robert Half Management Resources is seeking an experienced Interim Payroll Director to lead payroll operations for a large organization with approximately 5,000 employees across multiple states and union environments.

This leader will oversee a team of nine payroll professionals, ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing, support union payroll administration, and help drive operational efficiency through UKG. The ideal candidate will bring strong payroll leadership experience, hands-on knowledge of multi-state and union payroll, and the ability to stabilize and enhance payroll operations during a critical transition period.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of nine payroll professionals, providing day-to-day direction and support.
• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 5,000 employees across multiple states.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and union payroll requirements.
• Administer payroll provisions related to multiple union agreements, including wages, deductions, and contract requirements.
• Utilize UKG to maintain payroll accuracy, consistency, and operational efficiency.
• Manage payroll reconciliations, reporting, and issue resolution.
• Partner closely with HR, Finance, and operational leadership to support business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, risk mitigation, and increased payroll effectiveness.
• Provide interim leadership and operational stability during a transition period.

Qualifications:

• Payroll leadership experience in large, complex organizations.
• Strong multi-state payroll expertise.
• Experience overseeing union payroll environments.
• Hands-on UKG experience strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams and navigate periods of change.