Payroll Systems Senior Program Manager

Location: Southfield, MI, United States; Hybrid

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead enterprise payroll system programs from planning through implementation, deployment, and post-production stabilization, ensuring the successful delivery of strategic payroll initiatives across North America. 
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Benefits, business leaders, and third-party vendors to support enterprise payroll initiatives and organizational objectives. 
• Establish program governance, implementation strategies, program roadmaps, resource requirements, communication plans, and timelines to successfully manage multiple concurrent payroll system initiatives. 
• Lead and direct cross-functional implementation activities, including system configuration, data conversion, testing, validation, deployment, and production readiness to ensure successful program execution. 
• Evaluate implementation readiness, identify and mitigate program risks, resolve complex issues, and provide direction to project teams to support timely and successful production deployments. 
• Lead executive and project governance meetings, communicate program status, facilitate decision-making, and ensure alignment among key stakeholders throughout the implementation lifecycle. 
• Ensure payroll system implementations comply with applicable regulatory requirements, corporate policies, internal controls, and established payroll governance standards. 
• Provide functional leadership and coordination for Payroll Systems resources supporting enterprise initiatives while promoting standardized processes, implementation methodologies, and operational best practices. 
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance payroll processes, system capabilities, automation, reporting, and overall operational effectiveness. 
• Manage implementation budgets, vendor engagements, and professional service resources associated with payroll transformation initiatives to support successful program delivery. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience, including 5+ years leading complex payroll system implementation or enterprise payroll transformation programs. 
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now Payroll and ADP Workforce Manager Time & Attendance or comparable enterprise payroll platforms. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of payroll processing, payroll operations, payroll compliance, and enterprise payroll systems. 
• Experience managing payroll testing, parallel testing, payroll validation, user acceptance testing (UAT), and production deployment activities. 
• Experience navigating complex multi-legal entity payroll environments while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in project/program management methodologies, implementation governance, project scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder management. 

 Preferred:

• Experience leading regional or enterprise payroll transformation initiatives. 
• Experience implementing payroll vendor, HRIS, and benefits system integrations. 
• Knowledge of payroll reporting, analytics, and workforce management solutions. 
• PMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent project/program management certification. 
• Experience leading organizational change management initiatives supporting payroll transformation. 

 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels. 
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority. 
• Advanced program and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex business and system issues. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or equivalent project management software. 
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and external vendors. 
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment. 
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and promoting DENSO's values and culture. 

 

Benefits Summary:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans
• 401K with 4% Company Match 
• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid Holidays 
• Bonus Program
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs 
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance 
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs 
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc. 
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Development and Ongoing Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program 
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location) 
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location) 

 

Annual Salary: $141,000 – $176,000

The Payroll Systems Senior Program Manager provides enterprise leadership for the planning, implementation, governance, and continuous improvement of payroll systems and related technology solutions across North America. This position leads complex, enterprise-wide, cross-functional payroll programs involving payroll, timekeeping, attendance, benefits, and HR system integrations to ensure successful implementation, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and alignment with business objectives. Working collaboratively with Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, business leaders, and third-party vendors, this role establishes implementation strategies, governs program execution, mitigates risks, and drives standardized payroll solutions while providing functional leadership and program governance for enterprise Payroll Systems initiatives.