Director, Payroll Strategy & Operations at Jobot Irvine, CA

Downtown Boulder Partnership; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Annual incentive bonus

Rich benefits package

401k with 4% employer match

Hybrid schedule

Mentorship and professional develop

Job summary

Jobot seeks a strategic Global Payroll Director to lead the payroll function across the U.S., Canada and Australia. You will oversee a high-performing team, partner with C-suite, ensure payroll operations, compliance, and executive stock administration.

The role offers a hybrid schedule in Irvine, CA, with opportunities in mergers & acquisitions payroll due diligence and ongoing process improvements using Workday or similar HRIS tools.

Qualifications

• Extensive U.S. payroll experience across all 50 states.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll practices.
• Hands-on RSU/equity administration and executive compensation.
• Proficiency with Workday Payroll or similar HR/payroll systems.
• Strong strategic, operational, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration at all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global payroll function with direct oversight of a team of five.
• Administer RSUs, equity plans, and related executive compensation matters.
• Support mergers & acquisitions, including payroll due diligence and process simplification.
• Operate independently in ambiguous situations and provide principled guidance.
• Partner with executives, General Counsel, and cross-functional teams with confidentiality.
• Drive continuous improvement of payroll systems, processes, and reporting (Workday or similar).
• Foster a collaborative, development-focused team culture and coaching.

Skills

U.S. payroll

Canadian payroll

RSU/equity administration

Workday Payroll

Strategic thinking

Operational excellence

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Workday HRIS

Job description

Job Description

Seeking Global Payroll Director for a High-Growth International Organization

Located in Irvine, CA. Salary: $140,000 - $180,000 per year

Why Join Us

• Competitive Compensation
• Annual Incentive Bonus: Performance-based, paid annually
• Rich benefits package
• 401k with a 4% employer match
• Hybrid Schedule
• Entrepreneurial work environment
• Mentorship and professional development resources

Job Details

• Strategic Function: Payroll is treated as a front-facing, high-impact function, not just back-office.
• M&A Exposure: Opportunity to participate in mergers & acquisitions, provide recommendations, and influence global payroll strategy.
• High-Performing Team: Join a well-organized, structured, and supported team.
• Development-Focused Culture: Coaching, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.
• Executive Engagement: Direct interaction with C-suite and General Counsel, providing visibility and influence.
• Impactful Work: Shape global payroll processes, policies, and strategy.
• Autonomy & Leadership: Operate independently in ambiguous situations while influencing organizational decisions.
• Professional Respect: Payroll is recognized as a critical strategic function within the organization.
• Supportive Culture: Team culture emphasizes reflection, learning, and continuous improvement.

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic, hands‑on Global Payroll Director to lead our payroll function across the U.S., Canada & Australia. This role will oversee a high‑performing team and partner closely with C‑Suite to ensure seamless payroll operations, compliance, and executive‑level stock administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the global payroll function with direct oversight of a team of five.
• Administer and advise on RSUs, equity plans, and related executive-level compensation matters.
• Support mergers & acquisitions, including payroll due diligence, recommendations, and process simplification.
• Operate independently in ambiguous situations, providing principled guidance and firm decision-making.
• Partner with executives, General Counsel, and cross‑functional teams while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Drive continuous improvement of payroll systems, processes, and reporting, leveraging Workday or comparable HRIS tools.
• Foster a collaborative, development‑focused team culture, ensuring team members are coached and empowered to succeed.

Must‑Have Qualifications

• Extensive U.S. payroll experience across all 50 states.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll practices.
• Hands‑on experience with RSU/equity administration and executive compensation.
• Proficiency in Workday Payroll or similar HR/payroll systems.
• Strong strategic, operational, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to engage confidently at all levels of the organization.

Nice to Have

• Advanced Excel skills and comfort with data analysis.
• Exposure to international payroll beyond North America.
• Experience in M&A payroll integration or due diligence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.