Sr. Director, Payroll

AMSURG•Nashville, TN

6d•Remote

About The Position

The Vice President, Payroll & Workforce Operations is responsible for leading enterprise payroll operations, workforce administration, payroll systems, compliance, and operational transformation across a highly decentralized, multi-entity organization. This leader will oversee the strategy, governance, standardization, and execution of payroll and workforce operations across approximately 2,700 employees and 250 joint ventures/entities while supporting an active integration and acquisition environment. The role will build scalable operating models, strengthen controls and compliance, drive process standardization, and lead payroll integration efforts associated with 10–12 acquisitions or integrations annually. The VP will partner closely with Finance, HR, Accounting, Tax, Legal, IT, and Integration Management teams to modernize payroll operations and establish a scalable enterprise workforce operations framework.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive payroll, workforce operations, shared services, or HR operations leadership experience.
Significant experience leading payroll operations within complex, multi-entity organizations.
Experience supporting acquisitions, integrations, or high-growth environments.
Demonstrated success leading operational transformation and process standardization initiatives.
Experience partnering cross-functionally with Finance, HR, Accounting, Tax, Legal, and IT leadership.
Strong understanding of payroll compliance, controls, and risk management.

Nice To Haves

Experience in decentralized, joint venture, private equity-backed, healthcare, professional services, franchise, construction, or multi-site operating environments.
Experience leading payroll system implementations or consolidations.
Shared services or enterprise operations leadership experience.
UKG experience required.
CPP certification preferred.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead all aspects of enterprise payroll operations across multiple legal entities, joint ventures, and business structures.
Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing across all jurisdictions and entities.
Establish enterprise payroll governance, standards, policies, and operating procedures.
Reduce operational complexity through process harmonization and standardization initiatives.
Develop scalable service delivery models to support continued organizational growth and acquisitions.
Oversee workforce operational processes including: payroll administration, workforce data management, timekeeping coordination, payroll-related employee services, operational support processes.
Develop service-level standards and performance metrics for workforce operations.
Improve employee experience and operational responsiveness through process redesign and automation.
Lead payroll and workforce operations integration efforts for acquisitions, joint ventures, and newly onboarded entities.
Develop standardized integration playbooks, conversion methodologies, and transition frameworks.
Partner with corporate development, finance, HR, and integration teams during diligence and post-close activities.
Assess operational risks and integration requirements during acquisition processes.
Ensure newly integrated entities align with enterprise payroll controls and operating standards.
Partner with HRIS, IT, Finance, and external vendors to optimize payroll technology and workflows.
Lead payroll system rationalization, automation, and process modernization initiatives.
Identify opportunities to consolidate platforms, reduce manual processes, and improve data integrity.
Build scalable operational infrastructure capable of supporting future growth and acquisitions.
Establish reporting, analytics, and operational dashboards to improve visibility and decision-making.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations and reporting requirements.
Strengthen internal controls, audit readiness, and payroll governance processes.
Partner with Internal Audit, Accounting, Tax, and Legal on compliance matters and remediation activities.
Monitor payroll operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Establish enterprise standards for documentation, approvals, and payroll controls.
Build and lead a high-performing payroll and workforce operations organization.
Develop organizational capabilities to support scale, standardization, and operational excellence.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.
Mentor leaders and establish succession planning within payroll and workforce operations functions.