Senior Manager, Payroll & Time Operations

Job Summary

As Senior Manager, Payroll & Time Governance, you lead the enterprise approach to payroll and time governance and technology, defining global standards across processes, policies, and controls, while being accountable for the performance, integrity, and evolution of the supporting systems.

This role requires a pragmatic leader who can connect governance and technology, simplify complexity, and strengthen end-to-end outcomes. Passionate about getting the fundamentals right, accurate, controlled, and reliable payroll delivery, and about using systems and governance to drive consistency, reduce risk, and enable scale. You will also build capability across teams, ensuring they can operate confidently within a clear and consistent framework.

What You'll Do:

• Conduct structured reviews evaluations of pay and time processes to identify gaps, risks, and opportunities for improved efficiency and control
• Ensure system integrity, data accuracy, and controlled integrations across payroll and connected systems, minimizing risk to payroll outcomes
• Establish and enforce global configuration standards and governance frameworks supporting payroll, time, and cross-border operations
• Lead enterprise strategy and oversight for time and pay systems (SAP, Workforce Software, SuccessFactors), ensuring alignment with business and regulatory requirements
• Define and deliver system roadmaps, enhancements, and scalable design standards that support long-term sustainability and regulatory compliance
• Oversee end-to-end system integrations and data flows, ensuring audit-ready processes and strong internal embedded controls
• Partner with IT and external vendors to drive automation, optimization, and innovative, scalable system solutions
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, operational efficiency, scalability, and employee experience
• Support system and process integration during M&A and organizational change, ensuring continuity, control, and compliance
• Provide strategic leadership to the Time & Pay Governance & Systems team while fostering a culture of accountability, governance discipline, and continuous improvement, and delivering executive insights on performance, risks, and transformation progress

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelors degree in Finance, HR or other related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in payroll, time systems, and governance leadership within complex, multi-entity environments
• At least 4 years demonstrated success leading enterprise governance frameworks and system-driven transformation
• Strong experience managing cross-border payroll and time system complexities
• Hands-on experience with SAP, Workforce Software, and SuccessFactors environments preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for analysis and reporting
• Proven ability to lead through influence and deliver outcomes in complex, evolving environments
• Advanced expertise in Canadian and U.S. payroll legislation, taxation, and wage and hour compliance
• Deep knowledge of time and pay systems architecture, integrations, and controls
• Strong ability to translate regulatory and business requirements into scalable system solutions
• Proven leadership in large-scale systems transformation and governance initiatives
• Advanced analytical capability, including data validation, payroll reconciliation, and reporting
• Exceptional influencing and communication skills with senior leaders, IT, and auditors
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and control orientation in handling sensitive payroll data