Payroll Systems Senior Program Manager

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead enterprise payroll system programs from planning through implementation, deployment, and post-production stabilization, ensuring the successful delivery of strategic payroll initiatives across North America.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Benefits, business leaders, and third-party vendors to support enterprise payroll initiatives and organizational objectives.
• Establish program governance, implementation strategies, program roadmaps, resource requirements, communication plans, and timelines to successfully manage multiple concurrent payroll system initiatives.
• Lead and direct cross-functional implementation activities, including system configuration, data conversion, testing, validation, deployment, and production readiness to ensure successful program execution.
• Evaluate implementation readiness, identify and mitigate program risks, resolve complex issues, and provide direction to project teams to support timely and successful production deployments.
• Lead executive and project governance meetings, communicate program status, facilitate decision-making, and ensure alignment among key stakeholders throughout the implementation lifecycle.
• Ensure payroll system implementations comply with applicable regulatory requirements, corporate policies, internal controls, and established payroll governance standards.
• Provide functional leadership and coordination for Payroll Systems resources supporting enterprise initiatives while promoting standardized processes, implementation methodologies, and operational best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance payroll processes, system capabilities, automation, reporting, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Manage implementation budgets, vendor engagements, and professional service resources associated with payroll transformation initiatives to support successful program delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience, including 5+ years leading complex payroll system implementation or enterprise payroll transformation programs.
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now Payroll and ADP Workforce Manager Time & Attendance or comparable enterprise payroll platforms.
• Comprehensive knowledge of payroll processing, payroll operations, payroll compliance, and enterprise payroll systems.
• Experience managing payroll testing, parallel testing, payroll validation, user acceptance testing (UAT), and production deployment activities.
• Experience navigating complex multi-legal entity payroll environments while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project/program management methodologies, implementation governance, project scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder management.

Preferred:

• Experience leading regional or enterprise payroll transformation initiatives.
• Experience implementing payroll vendor, HRIS, and benefits system integrations.
• Knowledge of payroll reporting, analytics, and workforce management solutions.
• PMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent project/program management certification.
• Experience leading organizational change management initiatives supporting payroll transformation.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Advanced program and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex business and system issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or equivalent project management software.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and external vendors.
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and promoting DENSO's values and culture.

Benefits Summary:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans
• 401K with 4% Company Match
• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid Holidays
• Bonus Program
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Development and Ongoing Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)

Annual Salary: $141,000 – $176,000