Payroll Operations and Systems Manager

About the Role

The Payroll Operations and Systems Manager will be the bridge between technical systems and operational delivery, owning the resource planning, integration strategy, and workflow optimization. This role is critical to ensuring that Arbor Education's HRIS connects seamlessly with its payroll software and that teams are utilized effectively to meet customer requirements. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of payroll operations, HRIS, and technical strategy, as well as excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex data sets.

Arbor Education is a forward-thinking company that values innovation, customer satisfaction, and employee growth. As a remote company, Arbor Education offers a unique opportunity for candidates to work with a global team and contribute to the company's mission from anywhere in the world.

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement strategic resource planning and capacity management to ensure the payroll team is adequately staffed and skilled to meet demand
• Collaborate with the Head of Payroll to design data-driven work allocation models that promote proactive capacity planning and minimize team burnout
• Implement metrics to track team utilization and identify operational bottlenecks, driving initiatives to reduce manual intervention and improve efficiency
• Lead the design of standardized operational workflows, identifying friction points in the payroll cycle and implementing lean processes that maximize speed and consistency
• Define and own the operational strategy for integrating customer HRIS platforms with Arbor Education's payroll systems, ensuring robust, secure, and scalable data transfer
• Establish rigorous automated controls to ensure the synchronization of data between systems, creating a 'zero-touch' data transfer environment
• Act as the escalation point for complex data transfer or system configuration issues, preventing technical blockers from impacting payroll delivery deadlines
• Work in partnership with the Head of Payroll to foster a culture of technical precision and operational excellence
• Lead the operational management of payment integration protocols, overseeing the technical setup and reliability of BACS (or equivalent) transmissions
• Standardize and manage the integration methods for pension providers and HMRC data exchanges, ensuring compliant, secure, and fully automated file transfer protocols
• Proactively identify operational risks related to data security and file handling, implementing systems-based controls to protect sensitive client data during transit

What We Are Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in payroll operations, HRIS, or a related field
• Proven expertise in resource planning, capacity management, and workflow optimization
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency in Excel and experience with HRIS and payroll software
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data sets and drive process improvements
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Experience with data-driven work allocation models and metrics to track team utilization
• Knowledge of payment integration protocols, including BACS (or equivalent) transmissions
• Understanding of operational risks related to data security and file handling

Nice to Have

• Experience with lean process engineering and continuous improvement methodologies
• Knowledge of technical project management principles and methodologies
• Certification in payroll, HRIS, or a related field
• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work with a global team and contribute to the company's mission from anywhere in the world
• Flexible working hours and remote work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities, including training and certification programs
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment
• Recognition and reward for outstanding performance

• Tip: Highlight your experience with payroll operations, HRIS, and technical strategy in your application, and be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have driven process improvements in previous roles.
• To stand out, emphasize your ability to work effectively in a remote team environment and your experience with data-driven work allocation models and metrics to track team utilization.
• When preparing for an interview, review common payroll operations and HRIS interview questions and practice your responses to behavioral questions.
• Make sure to research Arbor Education's company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission.
• Consider creating a portfolio or samples of your work to demonstrate your technical skills and experience with payroll software and HRIS systems.
• Don't be afraid to ask about opportunities for professional development and growth within the company, and be prepared to negotiate your salary based on your experience and qualifications.