We are seeking a seasoned, strategic, and highly detail-oriented Senior Manager of 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 Director of Payroll and works closely with senior leadership across HR, Finance, Legal, and Compliance

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Operations Oversight

Lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple pay groups, jurisdictions, and entitiesEnsure timely and accurate processing of regular, off-cycle, bonus, and termination payrollsDrive the execution of audits, reconciliations, and controls to ensure data integrityOversee payroll funding, general ledger interfaces, and labor allocationsEnsure 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 specialistsEstablish operational KPIs, dashboards, and SLAs to track and report performancePartner with Finance, HR, Legal, and IT to streamline processes and improve cross-functional outcomesLead payroll transformation and automation initiatives, including system upgrades, integrations, and vendor evaluations

Compliance & Risk Management

Maintain strong internal controls and ensure SOX and audit readinessRespond to audits, inquiries, and escalations from government agencies, internal departments, and external partnersOversee year-end processing, including W-2s, tax reconciliation, and distribution

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting or related field and 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role. Additional years of relevant Payroll experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.Proven experience managing payroll for a large, complex, multi-state (or multi-country) organizationDeep expertise in federal, state, and local payroll compliance and tax regulationsStrong experience with payroll systems such as UKG (UltiPro), Workday, ADP, SAP, or CostpointExperience implementing or upgrading payroll systems or integrating with HRIS/ERP platformsExceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Preferred Qualifications:

CPP certification preferredExperience in union, government contractor, or hourly/salaried mixed environmentsFamiliarity with garnishments, multi-state taxation, and payroll accounting

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting:September 9, 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 $101,400.00 - $183,300.00

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.