Director of Payroll & HRIS

Now Hiring! Director of Payroll & HRIS, The Director of Payroll & HRIS (UKG) is a strategic and operational leader responsible for enterprise-wide payroll execution and the vision, governance, and optimization of the UKG platform.

This role goes beyond administration-owning system architecture, scalability, and design strategy in a high-growth, acquisition-driven environment. The Manager will lead payroll operations across a complex, multi-state, and multi-entity structure while transforming UKG into a best-in-class platform that supports rapid onboarding, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence.

You will serve as the expert subject matter for UKG, partnering cross-functionally with Finance, HR, IT, and M&A leadership to ensure seamless payroll processing, compliance, and scalable infrastructure., * Own end-to-end payroll strategy and execution for a multi-entity, multi-state organization

• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across all payroll cycles (hourly, salaried, seasonal workforce)
• Ensure accurate processing, reconciliation, and recordkeeping of multi-unit, multi-state payroll
• Responsibility for system management, user training, and operational procedures
• Collaboratively work with cross-functional teams as well as with outside vendors to develop and launch new processes
• Resolve escalated payroll issues and/or discrepancies
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and organizational policies
• Liaise with auditors
• Work with the HR and finance departments to ensure payroll is aligned with organizational strategies.

UKG Strategy, Architecture & Transformation

• Serve as system owner and leader for UKG (HRIS, payroll, timekeeping)
• Deliver optimized processes and automated workflow for highly effective HCM system utilization
• HRIS lead and practitioner; produce SOPs & training materials, manage UKG helpdesk
• Executes payroll, manages payroll tax accounts, and ensures UKG accuracy and timeliness
• Deploys new module implementation, system enhancements, and ensures compliant processes
• Ensures data integrity, creates reports & dashboards, delivers KPI metric reporting
• Owns UKG client deliverables and problem resolution
• Oversee data, system configuration, compliance setup, and payroll process
• Define and execute the long-term UKG roadmap
• Lead enterprise configuration strategy (pay rules, earnings codes, org structure, security, workflows)
• Drive continuous improvement through system enhancements, releases, and feature adoption.

Data Governance, Analytics & Compliance

• Establish enterprise data governance standards ensuring accuracy, integrity, and security
• Develop reporting and analytics capabilities to support executive decision-making
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and data privacy laws
• Lead internal/external audits and always maintain audit readiness, * Seamless payroll execution with zero compliance risk
• Scalable UKG infrastructure supporting rapid acquisitions
• Reduced manual processes through automation and system optimization
• High-performing, self-sufficient payroll/HRIS team

Do you have a valid Certified Payroll Professional certification?, Do you have experience in Regulatory compliance?, * 10+ years of progressive payroll and HRIS experience

• 5+ years of deep UKG expertise (configuration, administration, 360 integrations, reporting)
• Proven experience in a multi-entity, multi-state environment
• Experience operating in high-growth and/or acquisition-driven organizations
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, and governance

Preferred

• Experience leading UKG implementations, transformations, and module builds
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or equivalent certification
• Background in private equity-backed or roll-up environments

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance, * Competitive salary.
• 401(k).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Employee discounts.
• PTO and more.

Rocket Youth owns and operates a growing portfolio of youth sports, enrichment, and after-school businesses across the United States. Our platform is intentionally multi-brand and multi-location, with each business maintaining its unique identity and local market focus. We are highly acquisitive, completing approximately 10-15 acquisitions per year. Most of our companies are founder-led, with experienced local operators managing day-to-day operations. Rocket Youth provides operational leadership and support services to improve performance and scale. These services span marketing, CRM, analytics, M&A/de-novo expansion, accounting, finance, HR, capital, and more.