People Program Manager, Payroll

WelbeHealth • Remote, CA, USA, CA

4d • $109,241 - $144,198

About The Position

The People Program Manager leads strategic and operational initiatives that support workforce growth, organizational effectiveness, team member experience, and People service delivery. Working with People leadership, cross-functional stakeholders, and external vendors, the role drives program execution, process improvement, and alignment across People functions. It is also a key Workday Payroll and Absence Management resource, supporting system optimization, configuration, compliance, troubleshooting, and payroll process enhancements. Reporting to a People Director or senior leader, the position advances departmental strategy, monitors program performance and metrics, and fosters collaboration. It may supervise team members, consultants, or project resources.

The Payroll-focused role serves as a subject matter expert in Workday Payroll, Absence Management, and Time Tracking. It leads strategic payroll initiatives and continuous improvement, partnering with People, Finance, Accounting, and operational teams to strengthen payroll controls, develop team capabilities, and deliver scalable solutions that improve the team member experience.

Responsibilities include maintaining payroll and absence configurations; supporting multi-state payroll compliance; conducting audits and reconciliations; configuring, testing, and troubleshooting Workday functionality; coordinating release testing; maintaining process documentation and training materials; supporting tax filings and year-end processing; mentoring Payroll Specialists; collaborating with vendors and internal stakeholders; leading payroll projects; monitoring performance metrics; identifying risks and process improvements; and managing direct reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Organizational Development, People Operations, or a related field; professional experience may be substituted for the degree.
• At least five years of progressive Payroll experience within HR/People departments, including advising leaders and supporting multi-site or complex operating environments.
• At least three years of progressive experience leading people programs, projects, or operational initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll regulations and compliance for multi-state and local payroll processing.
• Experience with Workday components such as Payroll, Absence Management, Time Tracking, and OneSource Virtual (OSV Atmosphere).
• Ability to manage small projects independently, identify improvement opportunities, and drive continuous enhancement of payroll and absence processes.
• Ability to work effectively and build relationships with teams, departments, and stakeholders.
• Ability to handle change and manage multiple tasks by prioritizing requests and meeting tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and mid-level Excel skills.

Nice To Haves

• Healthcare experience.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or PMP experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Workday Payroll and Absence configurations to support compliance and business requirements.
• Monitor federal, state, and local payroll regulations and assist with compliance activities.
• Conduct payroll audits and reconciliations to ensure data integrity and accurate processing.
• Maintain payroll tax configurations for a multi-state workforce.
• Serve as a resource for payroll compliance, SOX controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and team member information.
• Configure, test, and support Workday Payroll and Absence functionality.
• Identify and implement system enhancements, updates, and process improvements.
• Lead bi-annual Workday Payroll and Absence release testing and documentation.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and coordinate resolutions with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain payroll process documentation and training materials.
• Investigate and resolve complex payroll processing, tax, and system-related issues.
• Assist with payroll tax reconciliations and quarterly and annual filing activities.
• Support year-end payroll processing, adjustments, and statement preparation.
• Mentor, train, and develop Payroll Specialists in Workday Payroll, Absence, Time Tracking (PATT), and compliance.
• Serve as a backup for payroll processing and other payroll operations as needed.
• Partner with payroll vendors to support system configuration, issue resolution, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with HR, Accounting, Finance, and operational leaders on payroll initiatives and inquiries.
• Communicate payroll impacts, updates, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional projects involving payroll, absence management, and compliance requirements.
• Manage direct reports, including hiring, training, supervising, and mentoring.
• Lead payroll-related projects and initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Monitor performance metrics and recommend improvements to payroll processes and controls.
• Identify risks and develop solutions that improve compliance, accuracy, and service delivery.
• Support organizational change efforts related to payroll programs, systems, and processes.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 17 days of personal time off (PTO), 12 observed holidays annually, and 6 sick days.
• 401(k) savings plan with matching.
• Comprehensive compensation package including base pay and bonus.
• Additional benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager