Senior Director, HR Operations, Shared Services & HR Technology

Position Summary

The Senior Director, HR Operations, Shared Services & HR Technology  is responsible for leading the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of payroll, HR technology, employee services, and HR operational excellence across the organization. This role oversees payroll operations, Human Capital Management (HCM) systems, HR shared services, compliance, and process optimization while driving a seamless and scalable employee experience.

This leader will serve as a strategic partner to Human Resources and business leadership, leveraging technology, analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) to modernize people processes, improve operational efficiency, and support organizational growth. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in payroll, HR systems, and shared services with a passion for innovation and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Strategy & Operations

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for multi-state payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing.

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve payroll policies, procedures, and controls to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

• Partner with Finance, Accounting, and external vendors to ensure payroll integrity and audit readiness.

HR Technology & HCM Leadership

• Lead the strategy, governance, optimization, and administration of the organization's HCM and HR technology ecosystem.

• Evaluate, select, implement, and enhance HR systems to support business objectives and improve the employee experience.

• Partner with IT and business stakeholders to integrate HR systems, automate workflows, and improve data accessibility.

• Establish data governance standards and conduct regular audits to ensure data accuracy, security, and compliance.

• Drive reporting, analytics, and dashboard capabilities that support workforce planning and decision-making.

HR Shared Services & People Operations

• Design, implement, and lead a best-in-class HR Shared Services model that delivers consistent, efficient, and employee-centric support.

• Standardize and streamline HR processes across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employee data management, leaves, and offboarding.

• Establish and monitor service-level agreements (SLAs), KPIs, and operational metrics to measure effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

• Develop and maintain process documentation, knowledge resources, and standard operating procedures.

AI, Automation & Digital Transformation

• Identify and implement AI-enabled solutions that improve HR service delivery, employee support, operational efficiency, and decision-making.

• Lead initiatives that leverage automation, workflow technology, predictive analytics, and self-service capabilities.

• Evaluate emerging HR technologies and AI applications to support organizational goals and enhance the employee experience.

• Partner with HR leadership to develop responsible, compliant, and effective AI practices across the employee lifecycle.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team responsible for payroll, HR systems, shared services, and HR operations.

• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement.

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to support team growth and succession planning.

• Drive organizational change management efforts related to process, technology, and service delivery improvements.

Stakeholder Partnership

• Collaborate with executive leadership, HR Business Partners, Finance, IT, and campus leaders to align people operations with business objectives.

• Serve as a trusted advisor and escalation point for complex payroll, HR systems, and operational issues.

• Communicate effectively with employees and leaders regarding HR programs, policies, systems, and service offerings.

Project & Program Management

• Lead complex, cross-functional projects involving payroll, HR technology, process redesign, and organizational growth initiatives.

• Manage project timelines, budgets, resources, risks, and stakeholder expectations.

• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to proactively identify opportunities for improvement.