Associate Director-Global HR

Job Description

Roles Responsibilities Core Responsibilities Oversee and ensure accurate and timely execution of all payroll processes, including on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls, for multi-state US associates. Provide strategic direction on complex payroll calculations, time and attendance management, and payroll reconciliation. Drive operational excellence by identifying and implementing process automation and efficiency improvements. Ensure effective resource planning to support ongoing payroll operations, new transitions, and ad hoc projects. Collaborate with US-based payroll leadership vendors to resolve escalated payroll issues and drive continuous process enhancements. Develop, maintain, and oversee payroll process documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions, ensuring alignment with best practices. Monitor and analyze payroll performance metrics, identifying trends and implementing improvements for increased accuracy and efficiency. Compliance Ensure strict adherence to US federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, including FLSA, tax compliance, wage garnishments, and reporting requirements. Maintain audit-ready payroll records, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements. Partner with US teams to mitigate risks, address policy updates, and support audits or regulatory reviews. Conduct process reviews and data integrity checks to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with service-level agreements (SLAs). Leadership Provide strategic leadership, ensuring high performance, accountability, and engagement. Develop and mentor team, fostering career growth, continuous learning, and process ownership. Lead efforts to ensure smooth transitions and stabilization of new payroll processes. Establish a culture of recognition, collaboration, and continuous improvement, driving team motivation and engagement. Act as a trusted payroll partner to global and cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless integration of payroll with other functions. Years of Experience 15+ years of global payroll experience required, with a strong focus on US payroll processing, time attendance management, statutory compliance, and labor laws. Experience working in a large global company within payroll operations at a leadership level, preferably as a senior manager or associate director. Education Qualification Certifications Required Minimum Qualifications Bachelor s Degree in Human Resources, Business Management, Commerce, Finance, Organization Development, or related field. Skill Set Required Primary Skills (must have) 10+ years of expertise in US payroll processes, with deep end-to-end payroll knowledge, including compliance, and multi-state payroll processing experience. Proven leadership experience in managing and developing high-performing payroll teams, fostering collaboration, and driving operational excellence. Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working closely with onshore, offshore and nearshore teams. Extensive experience in optimizing and improving payroll processes, driving efficiency, accuracy, and quality service delivery. Hands-on experience with payroll systems such as Workday and ticketing platforms like ServiceNow. Secondary Skills (desired) Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop payroll teams, fostering a culture of engagement and creating a great place to work. Experience successfully managing multiple priorities, projects, and process transitions, ensuring timely execution within budget and stakeholder expectations. Strong understanding of enabling technologies, including case management systems, employee/manager self-service tools, and their impact on enhancing payroll operations in a shared services environment.