Senior Manager, Global Payroll

LaunchDarkly

2d•$116,000 - $187,000

About The Position

LaunchDarkly is seeking a Senior Manager, Global Payroll to lead and scale the company’s global payroll operations during its next phase of growth. This leader will partner closely with Accounting, Finance, People, Legal, IT, Total Rewards and external payroll providers to ensure payroll is accurate, timely, compliant, efficient and employee-centered across all countries and entities where LaunchDarkly operates. The Senior Manager, Global Payroll will own the end-to-end payroll operating model, including payroll processing, controls, compliance, vendor management, reconciliations, reporting, systems and continuous improvement. This role is ideal for a strategic, hands-on payroll leader who is comfortable driving change across multiple functions and regions, staying close to complex details, and building scalable processes that support a growing global workforce.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including significant experience leading global payroll operations in a multi-entity organization.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, human resources, business or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. CPP preferred.
Experience managing US and international payroll across multiple countries, pay frequencies, payroll providers, EOR partners and local specialists, including service-level oversight and issue resolution
Strong knowledge of US payroll tax, statutory requirements, year-end reporting, wage and hour considerations, benefits deductions, equity, commissions and payroll accounting
Experience processing or reviewing bonuses, commissions, equity-related compensation, and other off-cycle or non-recurring payroll payments
Hands-on experience with payroll solutions (e.g. ADP) and a track record of leading payroll system implementations, migrations, integrations, or major system enhancements
Demonstrated success designing and improving payroll controls, reconciliations, audit processes, documentation and standard operating procedures
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to investigate variances, identify root causes and communicate clear recommendations
Proven ability to partner cross-functionally and influence outcomes across Finance, Accounting, People, Legal, IT, Total Rewards and business leadership
Demonstrate sound judgment and the ability to communicate clearly when handling sensitive employee information and time-critical issues
Ability to move between strategic leadership and detailed execution with a high degree of ownership
Experience working across regions and time zones in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Nice To Haves

CPP preferred

Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end global payroll operating model, including payroll calendars, standard operating procedures, data inputs, approvals, processing, funding, reconciliations, reporting and issue resolution
Lead US and international payroll operations across multiple countries, entities, pay frequencies and local requirements, ensuring each payroll cycle is accurate, timely and complete
Manage relationships with third-party payroll providers, EOR partners and local payroll specialists, holding partners accountable for service quality, compliance, deadlines and issue resolution
Establish and maintain strong payroll controls, review procedures and audit-ready documentation across employee data, tax withholding, deductions, benefits, equity, commissions, bonuses, off-cycle payments and employee changes
Partner closely with People Operations and Total Rewards to ensure new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, compensation changes, benefits elections, leaves and other employee lifecycle events flow accurately into payroll
Partner with Accounting on payroll reconciliations, payroll-related journal entries, accruals, balance sheet accounts, cash funding and month-end close support
Partner with Stock Administration to ensure equity transactions, vesting, exercises, and related taxable compensation are accurately reflected in payroll and reported appropriately
Partner with Legal and external advisors on payroll tax, statutory requirements, registrations, wage and hour matters, audits, year-end reporting and changes in local regulations
Serve as the senior escalation point for complex payroll issues, investigate root causes, and communicate clearly with cross-functional partners and affected employees
Lead payroll audits and year-end processes, including W-2s, tax filings, statutory reporting, reconciliations and other required employee and government reporting
Evaluate and implement/improve payroll systems, HRIS integrations, workflows and reporting to reduce manual effort, improve data quality and increase operational visibility
Partner with IT and business stakeholders on payroll system enhancements, integrations, provider transitions, entity launches and other initiatives that improve scalability and employee experience
Define and monitor payroll operating metrics, including cycle accuracy, timeliness, exception volume, issue resolution, provider performance, reconciliations and audit findings
Analyze payroll data and trends, prepare regular payroll forecasts and workforce-cost projections, investigate discrepancies, and deliver clear reporting and metrics to Finance and leadership
Improve the employee payroll experience by responding to questions, resolving issues promptly, and communicating clearly about payroll timelines and changes
Identify opportunities to use automation and AI-enabled tools responsibly to improve payroll operations, reporting, controls and employee support
Lead, mentor and develop payroll team member(s) and external partners, creating clear accountability, strong development paths and a culture of operational excellence
Serve as a trusted partner to Finance and People leadership by balancing strong governance with practical, business-oriented problem solving