Sr. Manager US Payroll

Legend Biotech•Bridgewater, NJ

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Legend Biotech is seeking a Sr. Manager US Payroll as part of the HR Operations & Compliance team based in Bridgewater, NJ. The Senior Manager, US Payroll is responsible for leading the end-to-end payroll function for US, ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of multi-state payroll for all employees. This role provides strategic leadership and end-to-end operational ownership of U.S. payroll operations, ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of multi-state payroll. The Senior Manager is responsible for leading payroll governance, compliance, systems administration, controls, and continuous process improvement while serving as the subject matter expert for payroll operations. This role partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Benefits, Compensation, Legal, and external vendors to deliver an efficient, compliant, and employee-focused payroll function. The Senior Manager is accountable for executing the full payroll lifecycle, identifying opportunities to enhance processes and controls, mitigating operational risk, and supporting business initiatives that impact payroll.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
8-10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership of complex, multi-state U.S. payroll operations.
Experience supporting payroll operations within a publicly traded and/or SOX-compliant environment preferred.
Experience with Workday Payroll and/or Workday HCM strongly preferred.
Experience leading payroll system implementations, enhancements, or transformation initiatives preferred.
CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification preferred.
Expert knowledge of U.S. payroll operations, payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and multi-state payroll administration.
Strong understanding of SOX compliance, internal controls, audit practices, and payroll governance.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex payroll operations within a large, fast-paced organization.
Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development skills with experience leading high-performing teams.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting critical deadlines.
Advanced knowledge of payroll systems, HRIS platforms (Workday preferred), payroll providers (OSV preferred), and Microsoft Excel.
High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential employee and payroll information.

Responsibilities

Own and execute the end-to-end processing of multi-state, bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery.
Process and oversee all payroll activities, including off-cycle payments, bonuses, equity, garnishments, benefit deductions, tax updates, retroactive pay, and leave payments.
Perform payroll reconciliations, resolve complex payroll issues, and ensure payroll balances accurately before and after each payroll cycle.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, SOX controls, and company policies.
Maintain payroll controls, governance, documentation, and audit readiness while identifying and mitigating operational risk.
Manage year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, tax reporting, reconciliations, and regulatory filings.
Partner with internal and external auditors to support payroll audits and compliance initiatives.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, automation, and employee experience.
Lead payroll system enhancements, testing, and process optimization efforts.
Partner with HRIS, IT, and cross-functional teams to improve integration, reporting, data integrity, and payroll workflows.
Serve as the payroll subject matter expert and trusted advisor to HR, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Compensation, Benefits, Legal, Internal Audit and business leaders.
Support organizational initiatives, acquisitions, reorganizations, and policy changes impacting payroll operations.
Develop payroll communications and resolve complex or escalated payroll inquiries with professionalism and discretion.
Provide functional leadership for U.S. Payroll Operations, establishing standards, driving accountability, and promoting operational excellence.
Where applicable, coach, mentor, and develop payroll team members, support cross-training, and ensure continuity of payroll operations.
Prepare and analyze payroll, tax, labor, and headcount reports, dashboards, and key performance metrics.
Identify trends, risks, and opportunities, providing insights and recommendations to improve payroll operations and support business decisions.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with a company match that vests fully on day one
Eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave after just three (3) months of employment
Paid time off policy that includes vacation time, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and eleven (11) company holidays
Flexible spending and health savings accounts
Life and AD&D insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Legal assistance
Supplemental plans such as pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance
Voluntary commuter benefits
Family planning and care resources
Well-being initiatives
Peer-to-peer recognition programs