Director of Domestic Payroll Operations
New Today
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.”
Original Posting:
October 3, 2025 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $124,800.00 - $225,600.00 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.
- Location:
- Us
- Job Type:
- FullTime