Manager, Payroll & Benefits

Rocket Pharmaceuticals•Cranbury, NJ

21h

About The Position

Create a future where DNA is no longer destiny. Join Rocket Pharma. Rocket Pharma is a fully integrated, late-stage biotechnology company advancing gene therapies with curative potential for patients with rare and life-threatening diseases. We are a team of creative, compassionate, and driven individuals united by a profound mission of seeking gene therapy cures. Rocket places tremendous value on our people and fosters a collaborative environment where bold ideas thrive and every team member makes a meaningful impact. Our core values guide everything we do: we trust one another, show generosity toward patients, embrace curiosity, and strive to elevate science. Team members receive a competitive total rewards package, including equity participation, 401(k) matching, and excellent health benefits. Position Summary The Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for the end-to-end administration of employee benefits, leave programs, and payroll operations. Reporting to the Associate Director, Payroll & Compliance, this role ensures accurate, compliant, and efficient processing of payroll while delivering a high-quality employee experience across benefits and leave management. The position partners closely with Finance, People Operations, and external vendors to maintain operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

5 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration, preferably in a public company
Experience processing multi-state payroll, including exempt and non-exempt required
Experience with benefits billing and vendor management
Experience with leave of absence administration and compliance requirements
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex, sensitive data

Nice To Haves

experience with equity and RSU payrolls preferred
Experience with Workday Payroll and Time and Attendance highly preferred
Experience with SOX controls, audits, and compliance frameworks highly preferred

Responsibilities

Manage full-cycle payroll processing across exempt and non-exempt employees
Ensure timely and accurate payroll execution in Workday Payroll
Maintain payroll compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliations, accruals, and reporting
Process and reconcile equity events (RSUs), including taxation and coordination with external providers
Oversee day-to-day administration of health, welfare, and retirement programs
Manage benefits billing, reconciliation, and vendor payments
Ensure accurate eligibility, enrollments, and life event processing
Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries
Administer all leave programs including FMLA, state leaves, and company policies
Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations
Partner with employees and managers to support seamless leave experiences
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., ACA, ERISA, FLSA)
Support audits and maintain documentation for payroll and benefits processes and controls