Payroll Technolgy Leader

Overview

This role is responsible for maximizing the value of the organization’s Payroll, Time & Labor technology portfolio, including the UKG platform and related payroll and workforce management solutions. You will serve as both Product Owner and the primary IT business partner for Payroll, HR, and Finance stakeholders.

You will define and execute product vision, roadmap, and investment strategy while ensuring technology solutions align with business objectives. The role includes overseeing product funding, managing strategic vendor relationships, driving product governance and operational excellence, and leading a team responsible for delivering business outcomes across the Payroll, Time & Labor domain.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $165000 - $242000 a year. Salary is based on candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Responsibilities

Product Strategy & Ownership

• Define, communicate, and champion the product vision, roadmap, and strategic priorities for Payroll, Time & Labor solutions, including UKG.
• Own and prioritize the product backlog, ensuring alignment with business priorities and enterprise IT strategy.
• Translate business objectives into epics, features, user stories, and measurable outcomes for Agile delivery teams.
• Establish and manage product release, enhancement, and continuous improvement processes.
• Define product KPIs and drive data-informed decision-making to maximize business value.

Business Partnership & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager between IT and Payroll, HR, and Finance business stakeholders.
• Partner with senior leaders to identify opportunities, evaluate investments, and align technology solutions with strategic goals.
• Develop business cases, secure stakeholder support, and lead prioritization of initiatives.
• Act as a trusted advisor, bringing industry knowledge, innovation, and best practices to the business.

Leadership & Delivery

• Lead and develop a team of product owners, analysts, engineers, and other IT professionals.
• Balance investments across new capabilities, system health, operational support, compliance, and technical modernization.
• Define priorities and objectives for Agile teams utilizing Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and DevSecOps practices.
• Drive continuous improvement in product management, delivery, and governance processes.

Product Governance & Operations

• Ensure the stability, performance, security, compliance, and overall health of Payroll, Time & Labor platforms.
• Maintain governance for payroll data, access controls, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and business processes.
• Manage product budgets, funding allocations, and vendor contracts to support delivery objectives.
• Oversee relationships with software and service providers, including UKG, ensuring alignment with business and IT strategy.
• Ensure solutions adhere to enterprise architecture standards and eliminate redundant or low-value initiatives.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 10 years of experience leading complex payroll technology programs, projects, or product initiatives.
• Minimum 3 years of people leadership experience.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience with UKG/Kronos payroll, workforce management, and timekeeping solutions.
• Authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or other advanced degree.
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or equivalent product management certification.
• 7+ years of experience as a Product Owner, Product Manager, or in a similar role supporting Payroll, Time & Labor, HR, or Finance functions.
• Strong functional expertise in payroll, time and attendance, labor management, and regulatory compliance processes.
• Experience integrating payroll and workforce management platforms with HRIS and ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP).
• Deep understanding of modern product management principles, Agile methodologies, Scrum, Kanban, and DevSecOps practices.
• Knowledge of cloud-based applications, APIs, microservices, automation technologies, and software development lifecycle best practices.
• Experience developing and managing product roadmaps, budgets, and investment portfolios.
• Executive-level communication and influence skills, with the ability to effectively engage senior leadership stakeholders.
• Proven track record of building trusted cross-functional partnerships and leading organizational change across HR, Finance, and IT.
• Experience working in global, matrixed organizations and collaborating with cross-cultural teams.
• Passion for leveraging technology and innovation to deliver exceptional employee and customer experiences.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $165000 - $242000 per year (expected range).
• Benefits: Health and welfare benefits, retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work.
• Specific benefit programs and options may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Additional Information

• All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process.
• The application window for this position is anticipated to close on 9/1/2026.
• Employment decisions are based on job-related reasons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
• Second chance employment applies. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
• You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made.
• Disability-related reasonable accommodation requests for the application or interview process are available; only accommodation requests are accepted via the provided reasonable accommodation contact method.