Director, Global Payroll

Rockwell Automation • Milwaukee, WI

115d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are hiring for a Global Payroll Director who will lead the strategic direction, governance, and optimization of global payroll across 60+ countries. Reporting to the Vice President, HR Enablement, you will ensure compliance with local regulations, drive process optimization, and partner with internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services to our organization. You will oversee payroll vendor relationships and technology-driven solutions to support scalable and efficient operations. You'll also maintain partnership with the Time & Absence team to ensure seamless time-to-pay integration and employee experience. This role is located at the Milwaukee, WI global headquarters and works a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Legal authorization to work in the US is required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Business, HR, Finance, or related field.
• Typically requires 12 years of progressive experience in global payroll operations, including demonstrated partnership with Time & Absence functions.
• 5+ years of experience managing large, geographically dispersed teams in a global or matrixed environment.
• Expertise in global payroll systems with familiarity in time/absence platforms and integration.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and service delivery metrics.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and/or Global Payroll Management Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Develop/lead a global payroll strategy aligned with HR priorities, compliance standards, and workforce needs.
• Champion automation, AI-driven insights and workflows to improve accuracy, reduce manual effort, and enhance employee experience.
• Lead integration of new technologies (e.g., anomaly detection, predictive analytics) in partnership with HR technology team and external vendors.
• Ensure payroll tech investments solve operational challenges, boost efficiency, and support compliance.
• Stay current on industry trends to lead innovation and continuous improvement.
• Support M&A activities, including due diligence and integration planning.
• Global process owner for payroll, ensuring efficient and compliant operations.
• Oversee payroll processing across 60+ countries, ensuring accuracy, promptness, and legal compliance.
• Monitor service level agreements and performance indicators; update metrics to reflect evolving needs, service expectations and regulations.
• Enforce internal controls to avoid fraud and errors; implement corrective action plans when needed.
• Final escalation point for payroll issues, ensuring prompt resolution and communication with internal partners.
• Enhance service delivery and efficiency while reducing risk.
• Shape payroll vendor strategy to meet company needs, balancing cost, quality, scalability, and continued innovation.
• Evaluate and manage third-party vendors, ensuring compliance and performance.
• Hold payroll vendors accountable for Service Level Agreements, performance metrics while upholding data protection standards.
• Collaborate on new capabilities (e.g., automation, analytics) to improve service and experience.
• Coordinate with Time & Absence team on integration requirements.
• Lead a high-performing global payroll team, promoting a culture of service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear direction and align team responsibilities with strategic goals.
• Support development through training, succession planning, and upskilling.
• Maintain process documentation and performance metrics to lead team effectiveness.
• Establish effective operating rhythms with Time & Absence team leadership.
• Manage payroll operations budget and contribute to overall global HR budgeting.
• Partner with Finance and Corporate Tax teams to ensure accurate accounting, tax compliance, and reporting.

Benefits

• Health Insurance including Medical, Dental and Vision.
• 401k.
• Paid Time off.
• Parental and Caregiver Leave.
• Flexible Work Schedule.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree