Director of Domestic Payroll Operations

We are seeking a seasoned, strategic, and highly detail-oriented Director of Domestic Payroll Operations to lead and scale our complex, multi-jurisdictional payroll function. This is a mission-critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the timely, accurate, and compliant processing of payroll for a large and dynamic workforce.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, with a proven track record managing large, high-volume payroll operations (20,000+ employees preferred), leading teams, implementing process improvements, and navigating complex regulatory and compliance requirements.

This role demands a strong command of payroll systems, exceptional leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage risk while driving operational excellence. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Global Payroll and Corporate Travel and works closely with senior leadership across HR, Finance, Legal, and Compliance

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Operations Oversight

• Responsible for the successful processing and approval of US bi-weekly, weekly, SCA, DBA, and union payrolls
• Work with the Payroll Systems & Solutions Sr. Manager to review all updates to payroll related business process documentation, payroll standard operating procedures (SOPs), and any additional process documents made to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll and tax laws.
• Oversee SOX related reporting, internal and external audits
• Drive the execution of audits, reconciliations, and controls to ensure data integrity
• Oversee payroll funding, general ledger interfaces, and labor allocations
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax laws and labor regulations

Leadership & Strategy

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of payroll managers, leads, and specialists
• Business acumen for managing a dispersed staff
• Build an engaging environment that retains top talent
• Serve as a mentor and provide guidance across the Global Payroll team.
• Establish operational KPIs, dashboards, and SLAs to track and report performance
• Partner with Finance, HR, Legal, and IT to streamline processes and improve cross-functional outcomes
• Partner with key stakeholders to deliver best in class service and improve the overall employee experience
• Design, implement, and facilitate the training programs for personnel within the division regarding operating policies and procedures.
• Lead payroll transformation and automation initiatives, including system upgrades, integrations, and vendor evaluations

Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee SOX related reporting, internal and external audits
• Oversee the coordination of required changes with internal and external stakeholders (i.e. prioritization of projects, testing and other initiatives) as requested. 
• Create and present complex ad-hoc data analyses and reports such as, identify errors, deficiencies, areas of risk/non-compliance. Also, execute any process improvement or corrective measures.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure SOX and audit readiness
• Respond to audits, inquiries, and escalations from government agencies, internal departments, and external partners
• Oversee year-end processing, including W-2s, tax reconciliation, and distribution

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or related field and 12+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Proven experience managing payroll for a large (20,000+ employees preferred), complex, multi-state (or multi-country) organization
• Deep expertise in federal, state, and local payroll compliance and tax regulations
• Strong experience with payroll systems such as UKG (UltiPro), Workday, ADP, SAP, or Costpoint
• Proficiency with payroll data analytics to monitor work performance
• Proficiency with vendor management
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Experience implementing or upgrading payroll systems or integrating with HRIS/ERP platforms
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPP certification preferred
• Experience in union, government contractor, or hourly/salaried mixed environments
• Familiarity with garnishments, multi-state taxation, and payroll accounting
• Project management skills and experience
• Experience with government contractors which includes knowledge of applicable federal laws and regulations (SCA, DCAA, etc.)

Professional Skills:

• Proven ability to lead/manage multiple projects/work streams simultaneously.
• Work well under pressure.
• Deadline driven.
• Organized individual.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate at all levels of an organization
• Team building, mentoring, and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders.

Come break things (in a good way). Then build them smarter.

We're the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We don’t wear capes (they’re a safety hazard), but we do solve high-stakes problems with code, caffeine, and a healthy disregard for “how it’s always been done.”

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.