Manager, Payroll Systems and Special Projects
Job Description: Level 4 – Senior Project Manager / Time & Attendance SME Position SummaryThis Level 4 role is a strategic leadership position responsible for driving the end-to-end transformation of Time & Attendance systems within a highly complex, unionized environment. The role combines program leadership, deep functional expertise, and systems acumen to ensure accurate time capture, compliant pay calculation, and seamless integration into payroll operations.This individual will serve as both a Project Manager and Functional SME, accountable for delivery, design integrity, and alignment to business and labor requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram & Project LeadershipLead large-scale Time & Attendance transformation initiativesOwn governance, timelines, risks, and executive reportingPartner with system integrators and internal stakeholdersDrive Agile delivery including sprint planning and executionUnion Payroll & Timekeeping SMEInterpret and operationalize Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)Configure and validate rules including:Daily/weekly overtime6th/7th day premiumsMeal penaltiesShift differentials and premiumsGuarantees and minimum callsTurnaround/rest rulesEnsure compliance with union and regulatory requirementsRequirements & Functional DesignLead requirements workshops with SMEs and functional leadersDocument detailed functional requirements and process flowsIdentify gaps, inefficiencies, and automation opportunitiesTranslate business needs into system configurationsSystems & IntegrationProvide expertise across Time, Payroll, and HCM platformsSupport integration design between systemsValidate data flows and ensure system alignmentData, Testing & ReconciliationAnalyze payroll/time data for accuracy and completenessDefine testing strategies including parallel validationPerform reconciliation between time and payroll outputsEnsure audit readiness and data integrityChange Management & Stakeholder EngagementLead stakeholder communication and alignmentSupport training and adoption strategiesAct as trusted advisor to leadershipQualifications10+ years in payroll, time & attendance, and system implementationsDeep union environment experienceExperience with UKG Pro, Workday, Infor or similar systemsStrong analytical and data skillsProven leadership in large-scale transformationsPreferred QualificationsEntertainment or highly unionized industry experienceAgile methodology experienceExperience with system integratorsPayroll audit and compliance expertiseKey CompetenciesStrategic leadershipFunctional and systems expertiseAnalytical rigorStakeholder influenceExecution excellence