One of the fastest growing insurance agencies in the US is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll Operations to lead a payroll function undergoing significant transformation and modernization.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on leader who enjoys building high-performing teams, creating strong operational foundations, improving processes, and developing people. The role sits at the center of a large-scale payroll operation supporting multiple business units and employee populations across several states.

The organization is investing heavily in strengthening payroll operations, centralizing processes, improving controls, and creating a more scalable service model. As part of this evolution, you will lead a team of payroll professionals while helping shape the future structure, culture, and effectiveness of the broader function.

What You'll Be Doing

- Lead and develop a team of payroll professionals responsible for multi-state payroll processing and employee support
- Create a highly engaged, accountable, and collaborative team culture
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues and employee concerns
- Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, and business leaders to deliver excellent payroll service
- Drive payroll process improvements, operational efficiencies, and standardization initiatives
- Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and performance management
- Lead operational change initiatives and help build a more scalable payroll delivery model
- Define and track key performance metrics, service levels, and operational objectives
- Support payroll technology improvements, process automation, and future system enhancements
- Ensure compliance with payroll regulations, tax requirements, and internal controls

What We're Looking For

- Strong payroll leadership experience within a complex, multi-state setting




- Experience managing and developing payroll teams
- Deep understanding of payroll operations, compliance, controls, and service delivery
- Track record of leading process improvement and organizational change initiatives
- Experience working with modern payroll platforms such as Paycor, Paylocity, Workday, or similar systems
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution
- High level of accountability, professionalism, and business partnership

The Leadership Profile

Success in this role requires more than technical payroll expertise.

We're looking for someone who naturally brings people together, builds trust, creates accountability, and leads from the front. You should be comfortable coaching teams, navigating change, building relationships across the business, and creating an environment where people want to contribute and succeed.

This is a visible leadership role where you'll influence culture, improve employee experience, strengthen service levels, and help shape the future direction of the payroll organization.

Candidates who thrive in office-based, collaborative environments and enjoy building strong team connections will be particularly successful.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

- Lead a payroll function during a period of significant growth and transformation
- High level of visibility and influence across the organization
- Prospect to build and develop a team for the long term
- Blend of people leadership, operational excellence, and strategic initiatives
- Stable and growing business with substantial investment in infrastructure and process improvement
- Clear chance to make a lasting impact on both the payroll function and wider employee experience

If you are an experienced payroll leader who enjoys building teams, driving change, and creating operational excellence, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.

📌 Senior Manager, Payroll Operations (Grand Rapids)
🏢 Evolution USA
📍 Grand Rapids