Payroll Manager - Payroll Processing

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we’re all about propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We are driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. We deliver innovative solutions that make our customers’ lives easier—helping them power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company.

We offer a dynamic work environment and a unified and inclusive culture. NRG fosters a strong sense of belonging that leads to better collaboration and business performance. Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society.

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The Payroll Processor Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, governance, compliance, administration, and execution of enterprise payroll operations. This role oversees payroll processing teams, payroll controls, payroll compliance, payroll technology, vendor relationships, workforce planning, and payroll transformation initiatives. 

The Payroll Processor Manager establishes payroll strategy, drives operational excellence, ensures regulatory compliance, and partners with senior leaders across Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Legal, and business operations to support organizational objectives. 

Key Responsibilities  

Payroll Leadership & Strategy  

• Lead enterprise payroll operations across multiple payroll schedules, business units, and employee populations 

• Establish payroll strategy, objectives, and operational priorities 

• Develop payroll governance, policies, procedures, and controls 

• Ensure alignment of payroll operations with organizational goals 

• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives 

Payroll Compliance & Risk Management  

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations 

• Manage payroll risk assessments and control reviews 

• Ensure compliance with internal audit and regulatory requirements 

• Oversee year-end payroll processing 

Payroll Operations Management  

• Oversee payroll processing operations and service delivery 

• Ensure payroll accuracy, timeliness, and quality standards 

• Monitor operational performance and service levels 

• Establish and monitor payroll KPIs and metrics 

• Review payroll trends and implement corrective actions as needed 

Leadership & Talent Development  

• Lead payroll workforce planning activities 

• Develop staffing strategies and succession plans 

• Coach, mentor, and develop payroll leadership and staff 

• Foster a culture of accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement 

Vendor & Technology Management  

• Manage payroll vendor relationships and service delivery 

• Oversee payroll technology strategy and optimization 

• Partner with HRIS and IT teams on system enhancements 

• Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations 

Business Partnership  

• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders 

• Provide payroll expertise and consultation to leadership teams 

• Support enterprise initiatives and strategic business priorities 

Acquisitions, Integrations & Transformation  

• Lead payroll due diligence activities for mergers and acquisitions 

• Oversee payroll integrations and transition activities 

• Lead payroll optimization and transformation initiatives 

• Identify automation opportunities and process improvements 

• Establish future-state payroll operating models 

Minimum Qualifications  

• High School Diploma or GED and 12 years of payroll experience, including 4 years of leadership experience and 7 years of SAP Employee Central Payroll experience; OR 

• Associate Degree and 10 years of payroll experience, including 4 years of leadership experience and 7 years of SAP Employee Central Payroll experience; OR 

• Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of payroll experience, including 4 years of leadership experience and 7 years of SAP Employee Central Payroll experience 

• 7+ years multi-state payroll experience 

• Experience managing payroll vendors and third-party service providers 

• Experience leading enterprise payroll operations in a large, complex organization

• Advanced reporting, analytics, and workforce planning experience 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire 

• Experience leading payroll transformations and optimization initiatives 

• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, and payroll integrations 

• Strong financial, analytical, and operational leadership skills 

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

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Official description on file with Talent.

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