Director of HR Systems & Payroll Operations
About The Position
Rocket Youth is seeking an experienced Director of Payroll Operations & HRIS (UKG) to lead enterprise-wide payroll operations and oversee the strategy, optimization, and scalability of our UKG platform across a multi-state, multi-entity organization. This highly visible leadership role will partner closely with HR, Finance, IT, and executive leadership to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance, enhance HRIS capabilities, support acquisitions and integrations, and drive operational efficiencies across the business. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with deep payroll expertise, advanced UKG knowledge, and experience supporting growth-focused organizations.
Requirements
- 10+ years of progressive payroll and HRIS experience
- 5+ years of advanced UKG experience
- Experience managing multi-state and multi-entity payroll operations
- Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, and wage and hour laws
- Proven experience in high-growth, complex, or acquisition-driven organizations
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
Nice To Haves
- UKG implementation, optimization, or transformation experience
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation
- Experience supporting private equity-backed organizations
- Experience working within multi-brand or decentralized business structures
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple business entities and states
- Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for all employees
- Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
- Develop and implement payroll controls, procedures, and best practices
- Oversee payroll audits, reporting, and data integrity initiatives
- Serve as the primary owner and subject matter expert for the UKG platform
- Drive continuous improvement of HRIS processes, workflows, automation, and system functionality
- Partner with stakeholders to identify opportunities for process optimization and enhanced user experience
- Manage system configurations, upgrades, testing, and ongoing enhancements
- Develop and maintain HRIS reporting, dashboards, and workforce analytics
- Support onboarding and integration of newly acquired companies into payroll and HRIS systems
- Standardize payroll and HRIS processes across acquired businesses
- Ensure seamless transitions while maintaining compliance and operational continuity
- Collaborate with leadership on scalability initiatives that support organizational growth
- Partner with HR, Finance, IT, Operations, and executive leadership to align payroll and HRIS strategies with business objectives
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, and user documentation
- Provide leadership, guidance, and support to payroll and HRIS team members
- Deliver key metrics, KPI reporting, and workforce insights to leadership teams
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Employee discounts
- Professional growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
