Director of Payroll

Job Description

Job Description

Why Join Crunch Fitness – Undefeated Tribe? 

We’re not just opening gyms, we’re building communities. Undefeated Tribe is the fastest-growing Crunch Fitness franchise group in the nation, proudly expanding across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Missouri, and Minnesota. Twice named Franchise of the Year (2021 & 2024), and Brand Builder of the Year (2025 & 2026) we’re on a mission to transform lives through fitness, wellness, and connection. With 100+ clubs planned by 2028, there’s never been a better time to grow your career with us! 

Here’s why you’ll love being part of the Tribe: 

Bold, High-Energy Culture 

At Crunch Fitness, Undefeated Tribe, you’re not just an employee, you’re part of a team that thrives on hustle, creativity, and collaboration. We celebrate individuality and want voices like yours at the table. 

Unbeatable Perks 

Competitive pay, career advancement opportunities, and yes, a free Crunch Fitness membership. You’ll work in an environment built around health, strength, and community.

Unlimited Growth 

With our rapid expansion, opportunities are everywhere. We invest in our people, promote from within, and give you the tools to level up your career faster than ever. 

Join the Tribe. Find Your People. Build Your Future. 

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Position Overview

We are looking for a strategic, hands-on Director of Payroll to own payroll as a business function across our fast-growing, multi-state organization. As we scale to 100+ clubs by 2028 – including new states and acquisitions – this leader will set the payroll roadmap, implement the changes, and see them through to measurable results. The Payroll Manager will report to this role.

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What You’ll Do:

The Director of Payroll owns payroll strategy, operations, controls, and technology. Where the Payroll Manager runs the payroll cycle, the Director decides how the cycle should work, builds the controls around it, and makes payroll scale with growth without adding risk or headcount at the same rate. This role leads change end to end – business case, design, testing, rollout, training, and post-implementation review – and partners closely with Accounting/Finance, HR, IT, and Operations.

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What Success Looks Like:

• 90 days: Complete a current-state assessment of payroll processes, controls, and UKG Pro setup; deliver a prioritized payroll roadmap approved by the Controller.
• 6 months: Implement the top 2–3 roadmap initiatives (e.g., payroll process improvements, bonus/commission workflow); documented SOPs and approval matrix in place.
• 12 months: New-club and new-state payroll launch playbook proven on live openings; payroll KPI dashboard reported monthly; clean audit results.
• Ongoing KPIs: 99.5%+ payroll accuracy, fewer off-cycle checks, on-time tax filings with zero agency penalties, payroll-to-GL reconciliation within close deadlines, audit findings closed on schedule, and payroll cost per employee managed as headcount grows.

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About You:

• A payroll leader who thinks strategically and executes personally – you build the plan and see it through.
• A change agent with a track record of redesigning processes and implementing systems that stick.
• A strong partner to Finance who understands payroll accounting, controls, and audit.
• A coach who develops people and builds bench strength.

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Responsibilities:

Payroll Strategy & Transformation:

• Build and own a multi-year payroll roadmap aligned with the 100+ club growth plan, new-state entry, and acquisition pipeline.
• Identify, prioritize, and lead process improvements end to end – business case, design, testing, rollout, training, and post-implementation review.
• Drive automation and standardization (e.g., recurring payroll journal entries, bonus/commission calculations, off-cycle reduction) to cut manual touchpoints and cycle time.
• Define the payroll operating model: team structure, roles, service levels, and build-vs-vendor decisions.
• Present payroll strategy, risks, and results to the Controller and senior leadership.

Governance, Controls & Compliance:

• Own payroll policy and the internal control framework (segregation of duties, approval workflows, reconciliations, audit trails).
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage-and-hour and payroll tax rules across all operating states; lead new-state registrations and setups.
• Own payroll’s role in external, tax, and 401(k) plan audits; drive timely resolution of findings.
• Monitor regulatory change and convert it into updated policies, system configuration, and training before effective dates.

Compensation Programs & Finance Partnership:

• Own the payroll mechanics of incentive programs – bonuses, commissions, Partner and facilities bonuses – so plans are payable, auditable, and accurately accrued.
• Partner with Accounting on payroll GL mapping, accruals, month-end close, and payroll-related reconciliations.
• Provide labor-cost analytics and forecasting inputs to FP&A and Operations.

Systems & Data (UKG Pro):

• Own the payroll technology roadmap: UKG Pro optimization and integrations with HRIS, timekeeping, and benefits.
• Lead system upgrades, new modules, and vendor selection or renegotiation; manage payroll vendor performance.
• Establish data integrity standards and reporting/dashboards for payroll KPIs.

M&A and Growth Integration:

• Lead payroll due diligence for acquisitions; build and execute integration playbooks for new clubs and states.
• Create a repeatable new-club payroll launch checklist so openings land without errors.

Leadership & People Development:

• Lead, coach, and develop the Payroll Manager and, through them, the payroll team; set goals and hold the team to measurable standards.
• Build bench strength and succession for critical payroll roles.
• Partner with HR, Operations, and club leaders; serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues.

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Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field required.
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years leading payroll teams in a multi-state, multi-location organization.
• Proven record of leading payroll transformation – system implementations, process redesign, or automation – from concept to measured results.
• Advanced UKG Pro expertise required; implementation or optimization leadership strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of multi-state payroll tax, wage-and-hour law, garnishments, and benefits/401(k) payroll impacts.
• Strong grasp of payroll accounting: GL mapping, accruals, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Experience administering bonus and commission programs at scale.
• Executive-level communication; able to build a business case and influence peers in HR, Operations, and Finance.

Physical Requirements

· Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer

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Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with new site openings, acquisitions, or high-growth multi-unit environments (fitness, retail, hospitality, healthcare).
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification preferred
• Advanced Excel; exposure to AI, SQL, BI tools for payroll analytics.

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Benefits

• Salaried Flexible PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Subsidized health insurance coverage (health, dental, vision) for full time positions
• Employer Paid Basic Life and AD&D
• HSA
• 401k Offering w/ Employer Match
• Short-term disability 
• Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance for employee, child, and spouse
• Free gym membership

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Travel:

As required. New club visits, field relationship building, etc.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

UDT is an Equal Opportunity Employer, a drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. UDT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Please note that Crunch Fitness - Undefeated Tribe does not offer visa sponsorship or support visa transfers for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.  

Join us in making Crunch Fitness the talk of the town! Apply now and be a driving force in transforming lives through fitness.