<p>Our client is seeking a strategic and hands-on Senior Director of Payroll and Benefits to lead and evolve the company's payroll and benefits operations across a dynamic, high-growth organization. Reporting to the Finance Corporate Controller, this leader will ensure the accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence of payroll across multi-state and multi-entity operations. This role also leads the design and administration of competitive and cost-effective benefits programs, supporting the company's efforts to attract, retain, and engage top talent across education and healthcare.</p> <p>This position plays a critical role in optimizing systems (particularly UKG / UltiPro), driving data-informed decision-making, and aligning payroll and benefits with the company's broader financial and human capital goals.</p> <p>Duties include, but are not limited to:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Payroll Leadership</p> </li><li> <p>Lead end-to-end payroll processing for 12,000+ employees across multiple states and business units.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.</p> </li><li> <p>Oversee payroll tax filings, wage garnishments, and year-end reporting (e.g., W-2s).</p> </li><li> <p>Partner with HR, Finance, IT, and Legal to ensure payroll integrity and cross-functional alignment.</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain SOX-level internal controls and lead readiness for audits and lender reviews.</p> </li><li> <p>Benefits Strategy & Administration</p> </li><li> <p>Design and manage competitive health, welfare, and retirement programs for a geographically diverse workforce. Experience with self-funded plans is required.</p> </li><li> <p>Lead Open Enrollment planning and execution with strong employee education and engagement.</p> </li><li> <p>Manage broker and vendor relationships and periodic RFPs to evaluate alternative program designs or partners; monitor claims and participation trends, performance and service levels.</p> </li><li> <p>Oversee worker's compensation vendor relationship, internal reporting, BLS reporting, invoicing, and collaborate with supervisors on case management.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, ADA, FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, and related regulations.</p> </li><li> <p>Support M&A due diligence and benefits program integrations.</p> </li><li> <p>Develop KPIs to track utilization, cost trends, and employee satisfaction.</p> </li><li> <p>Systems Optimization & Process Improvement</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborate with UKG (UltiPro) system administrators to ensure optimal configuration, reporting, and automation across payroll, timekeeping, and benefits.</p> </li><li> <p>Drive improvements in payroll and benefits data governance and integration with financial systems.</p> </li><li> <p>Support M&A integration efforts by developing scalable systems and processes.</p> </li><li> <p>Team Leadership & Development</p> </li><li> <p>Build and lead a high-performing team across payroll and benefits functions.</p> </li><li> <p>Set performance goals, track KPIs, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide strategic input to CHRO, CFO, and ELT on total rewards and compliance risk.</p> </li></ul> <p>Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., CPP, CEBS) strongly preferred. </li><li>10+ years of progressive experience in payroll and benefits administration; 3+ years in a senior leadership role. </li><li>Direct experience with UKG / UltiPro including implementation, configuration, and reporting. </li><li>Knowledge of multi-state payroll, ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA, and federal/state employment law. </li><li>Strong communication skills and proven ability to collaborate across functions. </li><li>Experience with a significant part-time hourly and seasonal workforce </li><li>Demonstrated success in scaling systems, teams, and policies in complex environments. </li></ul>