Managed Payroll Lead

About the Opportunity A growing HR technology and workforce solutions consulting firm is seeking an experienced Managed Payroll Lead to support and oversee payroll operations across a portfolio of clients. This organization partners with companies to deliver modern HCM, payroll, and workforce management solutions, with a strong emphasis on service quality, operational excellence, and long-term client partnerships. This is a client-facing leadership role ideal for a seasoned payroll professional who enjoys combining hands-on payroll expertise with strategic advisory responsibilities in a fast-paced consulting environment. Position Overview The Managed Payroll Lead will oversee full-cycle payroll processing for multi-state client environments, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution across varying payroll schedules. The role will act as a trusted payroll advisor to clients while also mentoring internal payroll consultants and contributing to process improvements, service delivery standards, and operational scalability. This position also partners cross-functionally with implementation, operations, sales, and client success teams to support new client transitions, ongoing managed services, and payroll best practices. Key Responsibilities Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multiple client organizations across weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll cycles. Perform payroll audits, data validation, gross-to-net reviews, and pre-processing checks to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance. Partner with HR and Finance stakeholders to support onboarding, offboarding, compensation updates, payroll adjustments, and employee lifecycle events. Serve as a primary escalation point and trusted advisor for client payroll inquiries and issue resolution. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax and wage regulations. Prepare payroll reporting, reconciliations, and general ledger support documentation as required. Support year-end payroll activities including W-2s, 1099s, tax reconciliations, and audit preparation. Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, delivery consistency, scalability, and overall client experience. Collaborate with internal teams during new client implementations, transitions, and ongoing managed services engagements. Mentor and support junior payroll consultants by sharing best practices and providing operational guidance. Stay informed on payroll legislation, compliance updates, and HCM/payroll technology trends. Participate as a payroll subject matter expert in selected client discussions, solution reviews, and internal business initiatives. Required Qualifications 5+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience, including multi-state payroll environments. Prior payroll leadership or team lead experience required. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification strongly preferred or required. Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour compliance, and payroll best practices. Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills in client-facing environments. Ability to manage multiple priorities and payroll calendars in a service-driven environment. Preferred Experience Experience within a managed payroll services, outsourcing, or payroll consulting environment. Exposure to enterprise HCM/payroll platforms such as UKG, ADP, Paylocity, Paycom, Workday, Dayforce/Ceridian, or similar systems. Experience supporting hourly and salaried employee populations. Familiarity with payroll-related integrations including HRIS, benefits, timekeeping, and general ledger systems. Knowledge of ACA reporting and compliance requirements. Experience supporting multi-entity or multi-jurisdiction payroll operations. Union payroll and collective bargaining agreement (CBA) experience is advantageous. Why Apply? Join a growing and collaborative HR technology consulting environment. Work with a diverse portfolio of clients and modern HCM/payroll technologies. Opportunity to influence payroll operations, process improvement, and service delivery standards. Strong potential for professional growth within a high-performing team culture. Competitive compensation and benefits package. Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Luchian Van Der Merwe