[Remote] Payroll Operations Director - Remote

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. UnitedHealth Group is hiring a Payroll Operations Director to lead day-to-day payroll execution, governance, and continuous improvement. The role oversees payroll processing, compliance, service delivery, and team leadership while partnering across HR, Finance, Technology, and related functions to improve operations and manage risk.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of payroll operational functions, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for all supported populations
• Drive operational excellence through process standardization, automation, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead, develop, and coach Payroll Operations leaders and team members through training, performance management, succession planning, and recognition
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), service levels, quality metrics, and compliance measures
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations, company policies, and internal controls
• Partner with Payroll Tax, Payroll Accounting, Benefits, Leave Administration, Time & Labor, HR Operations, and People Technology teams to resolve complex payroll issues
• Diagnose complex payroll processing challenges, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Oversee payroll operational readiness for organizational changes, system updates, acquisitions, divestitures, and business transformation initiatives
• Lead testing, validation, and deployment activities related to payroll system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations
• Ensure payroll processes are appropriately documented, maintained, and continuously updated
• Drive resolution of escalated associate payroll inquiries and sensitive payroll matters, ensuring a positive associate experience
• Develop and maintain solid partnerships with business leaders, HR partners, Finance, Compliance, Internal Audit, and external vendors
• Provide strategic recommendations regarding payroll operations, process efficiency, risk mitigation, and service delivery improvements
• Support year-end payroll activities, audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory reporting requirements
• Ensure operational readiness and business continuity plans are maintained and tested
• Serve as a payroll operations subject matter expert and trusted advisor for enterprise-wide initiatives impacting payroll
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned

Skills

• 7+ years of progressive experience in payroll operations, payroll processing, or payroll administration
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing payroll teams
• Proven deep understanding of payroll operations, payroll compliance, internal controls, and payroll-related business processes
• Experience managing complex payroll operations within a large, multi-state and/or global organization
• Proven ability to lead operational change, process improvement, and transformation initiatives
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks with hard deadlines simultaneously
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Project documentation and project management discipline
• Experience working in a global environment
• Solid analytical, problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of internal systematic controls within HCM
• Solid understanding of how to integrate systems and build efficient payroll processes
• Intermediate level of proficiency with MS Word, Excel

Benefits

• Flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S.; for hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, work in the office a minimum of four days per week is required.
• A comprehensive benefits package (subject to eligibility requirements).
• Incentive and recognition programs (subject to eligibility requirements).
• Equity stock purchase (subject to eligibility requirements).
• 401k contribution (subject to eligibility requirements).

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