Sr. Manager, Payroll Operations

Marmon Holdings, Inc.•Chicago, IL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best. The Sr. Manager of Payroll Operations serves as a strategic partner to the Payroll Director and functions as the operational "Chief of Staff" for enterprise payroll transformation. This role leads cross functional payroll initiatives, drives payroll centralization efforts across multiple operating companies, and supports payroll system implementations and optimization projects. This leader ensures project governance, standardization, risk mitigation, and execution discipline across payroll transformation initiatives while also providing targeted operational payroll support during periods of transition to ensure continuity of payroll delivery.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience including multi‑state U.S. payroll.
3+ years leading payroll system implementations or major payroll system enhancements.
Demonstrated experience leading enterprise or multi‑entity payroll projects.
Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, payroll tax regulations, and SOX controls.
Advanced proficiency with payroll and HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG, or similar).
Exceptional project management, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within decentralized or multi‑entity corporate environments.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or formal project management training.
Experience supporting shared services or payroll centralization initiatives.
Strategic thinking with strong operational execution
Executive communication and presentation skills
Change management and organizational influence
Analytical problem solving and systems orientation
Ability to operate effectively in complex and evolving environments
Strong collaboration across cross‑functional teams

Responsibilities

Payroll Centralization & Transformation: Support execution of the enterprise payroll centralization roadmap across multiple operating companies.
Partner with Group Payroll Managers to ensure operational continuity of payroll processes (gross‑to‑net) during the transition of operating companies into the centralized payroll model.
Coordinate migration planning, process documentation, and stabilization activities as payroll groups are integrated into the centralized structure.
Develop and manage project plans, timelines, milestones, dependencies, and risk mitigation strategies for centralization initiatives.
Drive standardization of payroll processes, internal controls, and reporting frameworks across operating companies.
Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and Operating Company leadership to align on transformation objectives and implementation strategies.
Support the establishment of governance structures, decision frameworks, and executive reporting cadence.
Identify opportunities to improve service delivery models, operational efficiencies, and scalability within the centralized payroll function.
Payroll Operations Support (BAU): Provide operational payroll support to Group Payroll Managers to ensure continuity of payroll processing during centralization and transformation initiatives.
Assist with end‑to-end payroll operations including payroll validation, issue resolution, and troubleshooting complex payroll scenarios when additional support is required.
Support payroll processing cycles as needed to ensure timely and accurate payroll delivery during periods of transition, system implementation, or operational disruption.
Reinforce standardized payroll processes, documentation, and internal controls across operating companies.
Identify operational process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce manual work, and improve payroll service delivery.
Provide subject matter expertise to payroll teams on complex payroll issues, compliance requirements, and system functionality.
Payroll System Implementation & Optimization: Partner with Payroll Services leadership on payroll system implementations (e.g., Workday Payroll, ADP, UKG, or other platforms as applicable).
Serve as business lead for Payroll Operation’s requirements gathering, system design, configuration, testing, and deployment.
Oversee data conversion, parallel testing, and post‑go‑live stabilization.
Ensure integrations with HRIS, timekeeping, benefits, and finance systems are compliant and optimized.
Develop system documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials.
Drive continuous improvement, automation, and system optimization initiatives post‑implementation.
Project Governance & PMO Leadership: Establish and maintain a payroll project governance framework supporting transformation initiatives.
Maintain centralized project tracking tools, timelines, and executive dashboards.
Proactively manage project risks, issues, and change requests.
Facilitate cross‑functional project meetings and decision-making sessions.
Ensure adherence to SOX and internal control standards during system implementations and process changes.
Executive & Operational Support to Payroll Director: Translate strategic payroll transformation objectives into actionable project plans and initiatives.
Prepare executive‑level presentations, business cases, and status reporting.
Support leadership in managing complex payroll initiatives and cross-functional coordination.
Serve as escalation support for complex payroll operational or system‑related issues.
Provide analytical insights and recommendations to support payroll strategy and operational improvements.
Compliance & Controls: Ensure payroll operations comply with federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations.
Partner with Internal Audit to maintain strong SOX‑compliant payroll controls.
Ensure compliance requirements are embedded into payroll processes, system design, and transformation initiatives.