Senior Payroll Operations Manager

Ilitch Holdings•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Operations Manager is a strategic leader responsible for executing and continuously improving payroll operations across multiple legal entities, business segments, and domestic and international jurisdictions. The role ensures payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and a strong colleague experience while leading payroll teams through organizational growth and transformation. The position partners with Finance, Human Resources, Total Rewards, Legal, Tax, Internal Audit, Technology, and company leadership to develop scalable payroll strategies, strengthen internal controls, optimize Workday Payroll capabilities, and support compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations. The role reports to the Director of Payroll. The manager leads enterprise payroll operations for multiple payroll frequencies, legal entities, and domestic and international locations, including sports, entertainment, and retail business units. The role oversees standardized procedures, payroll calendars, timekeeping and pay-rule coordination, union contract administration, internal controls, audit readiness, and complex or sensitive payroll transactions. In partnership with HRIS, the manager participates in payroll system implementations, testing, integrations, and upgrades, and improves automation and system performance. The position leads, develops, and coaches the payroll team; manages performance and accountability; supports change management; and oversees workload prioritization, cross-training, capacity planning, and operational resource allocation. It also partners with relevant teams on audits, compliance reviews, reporting, and requests for payroll information from MLB, NHL, unions, and other business or regulatory stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business.
At least 7 years of progressive payroll leadership experience.
Experience leading large, multi-state payroll operations, including California.
Experience with SOX controls, payroll compliance, and enterprise governance.
Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment.
Core competencies include strategic thinking, change leadership, enterprise collaboration, financial acumen, risk management, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
International payroll experience with Canada, Mexico, and Germany.
Extensive Workday Payroll expertise.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.

Responsibilities

Lead payroll transformation initiatives, including automation, AI-enabled efficiencies, and Workday optimization, in partnership with internal teams.
Establish departmental KPIs, service levels, and operational scorecards.
Direct payroll operations across multiple payroll frequencies, legal entities, business segments, and domestic and international locations.
Establish and maintain enterprise-wide standardized payroll procedures and documentation.
Partner with Time Administrators and cross-functional teams to ensure timekeeping, holiday schedules, pay rules, and other payroll-driving components are maintained and processed accurately.
Maintain internal controls and audit readiness.
Ensure union contracts are maintained and administered correctly.
Maintain and oversee enterprise payroll processing calendars.
Oversee complex and sensitive payroll transactions, including wage garnishments, leave-of-absence pay, and special off-cycle payouts.
Participate in payroll system implementations, testing, integrations, and upgrades in partnership with HRIS.
Improve payroll automation and system performance.
Lead, develop, and coach the payroll team, fostering accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Own performance management for direct reports, including skill development, performance coaching, addressing gaps, and accountability for results.
Lead and support change management initiatives.
Manage workload prioritization, cross-training, team capacity planning, and operational resource allocation.
Partner with Payroll Tax & Compliance, HR, Legal, and Internal Audit on audits, compliance reviews, and reporting requirements.
Provide payroll data, documentation, and support for MLB, NHL, union, and other regulatory or business-related information requests.