Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits

Woolpert • Fort Worth, TX

1d

About The Position

Woolpert is hiring a Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits to join our Human Resources team based in the United States. The role will lead Woolpert’s payroll and benefits team with advanced expertise, elevated decision-making authority, and cross-functional leadership. Oversee complex payroll and benefits functions, supports international expansion, ensures compliance across jurisdictions, and serves as the Tier III escalation point above the Payroll & Benefits Manager. Partners closely with HR Operations, Regional HR, Accounting & Finance, Legal, IT, and external vendors to ensure accurate payroll delivery, compliant benefits programs, and exceptional employee experience across the organization. Plays a critical part in coordinating and supporting global regions to drive a unified “One Woolpert” payroll and benefits experience ensuring consistent standards, aligned processes, and collaborative delivery across all countries as Woolpert continues to scale internationally.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field required.
• 12 years of experience in payroll processing and benefits administration required.
• Experience may substitute for education at a 1:1 ratio. In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, an additional 4 years of relevant experience is required.
• Analytical rigor, vendor management, process design, data integrity, service orientation, and stakeholder communication.
• High integrity and ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency with Dayforce (or comparable HCM/payroll), Excel, and vendor portals.
• Knowledge of multi‑state payroll laws, tax regulations, and benefits compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with demonstrated ability to resolve escalated payroll or benefits issues.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and cross‑functional partnering skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines across multiple time zones.

Nice To Haves

• FPC/CPP (APA), CEBS, SPHR, GPHR (or regional equivalent) preferred, but not required.
• Experience with Ceridian/Dayforce or similar HCM/payroll systems.
• Global experience coordinating payroll/benefits across at least 3 countries (e.g., EMEA or APAC) with in country providers preferred.
• Experience leading OE implementations, system upgrades, or multi country payroll launches in Dayforce preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Tier III escalation lead for payroll and benefits inquiries that require advanced expertise or judgment.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and functional leadership to the payroll and benefits team.
• Partner with AskHR, HRBPs, Regional HR, and Finance to ensure employees receive timely, accurate, and supportive payroll and benefits assistance.
• Support employees through complex payroll and benefits situations, including international hires, leave pay, garnishments, and corrections.
• Oversee compliance with wage & hour laws, benefits eligibility rules, tax withholding requirements, and reporting standards.
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures, controls, and documentation to ensure consistency across payroll and benefits workflows.
• Coordinate and oversee quarterly and annual payroll filings, including W2s and 1095Cs.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives for payroll and benefits, identifying automation opportunities and reducing manual work.
• Collaborate with IT and HRIS to advance Dayforce functionality, including configuration enhancements, integrations, and global modules.
• Support implementation of new payroll structures for acquisitions globally.
• Manage vendor relationships at an advanced level, including benefits carriers, brokers, payroll providers, and international partners.
• Oversee complex payroll audits, benefits compliance reviews, and regulatory responses.
• Ensure Woolpert’s payroll and benefits programs meet high standards of accuracy, compliance, and competitiveness.
• Establish and track KPIs for accuracy, service delivery, processing speed, and compliance targets.
• Oversee reconciliations, complex pay adjustments, leave pay calculations, and escalated discrepancies.
• Provide balanced recommendations that consider legal compliance, operational efficiency, and employee experience.
• Apply strong judgment when addressing sensitive pay or benefits matters, ensuring confidentiality and equitable solutions.
• Support organizational growth while maintaining healthy workload distribution, clear prioritization, and sustainable processes.
• Lead and develop a small team and/or cross functional workstreams.
• Support M&A integration for payroll/benefits, including transitioning acquired firms onto standard calendars, plans, and systems.

Benefits

• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees