HR Consulting Experienced Manager (Payroll)

Grant Thornton (US); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 147,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

In-person attendance 3 days/week

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Grant Thornton is seeking an experienced Manager to lead HR and Payroll transformation projects for clients, shaping operating models, system selections, and process redesign. You will act as a trusted advisor to client leadership and drive governance and continuous improvement.

You'll partner with clients to develop future-state roadmaps, mentor project teams, contribute to thought leadership, and help grow the practice while delivering on utilization targets in a hybrid, in-person required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in HR/Payroll transformation, consulting, or related roles
• Proficiency in HR and Payroll systems (UKG, Dayforce, Workday, SAP/SuccessFactors, etc)
• Ability to align transformation initiatives with broader business strategy and workforce trends
• Experience in selecting and implementing HCM platforms and designing HR operating models
• Familiarity with automation tools and data analytics to drive process improvement
• Understanding of global payroll compliance, data privacy regulations, and cross-border operations
• Track record of mentoring teams, developing intellectual capital, and contributing to practice growth
• Comfortable presenting to C-Suite/senior executives and shaping strategic conversations
• Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Knowledge of compliance standards and risk mitigation strategies
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Can travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end HR and Payroll transformation projects, including operating model assessments and system implementations
• Partner with clients to assess current state and develop future-state roadmaps for efficiency and compliance
• Drive governance and continuous improvement across HR/Payroll processes and lead workshops
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and vendors to ensure integration of technology and processes
• Own delivery of project milestones and ensure quality and client satisfaction
• Build strong client relationships and deliver tailored solutions for long-term partnership
• Lead and mentor project teams, fostering collaboration and accountability
• Contribute to methodology development, whitepapers, and thought leadership
• Lead proposal development, pricing strategies, and scoping for clients
• Meet or exceed targeted utilization
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, or related field

Tools

HR/payroll systems (UKG, Dayforce, Workday, SAP/SuccessFactors)

Job description

Job Description

Grant Thornton is seeking an experienced and dynamic Manager to lead strategic initiatives that transform HR and Payroll operations for our clients. This role requires a strong background in workforce strategy, organizational design, and service delivery as well as experience in developing global HR and Payroll operating models, including GBS or shared services frameworks. This role would also contribute to sales and proposal opportunities, participate in firm-building activities such as thought leadership, and develop talent on project teams and across the practice.

From day one, you’ll be supported and empowered by our broader Transformation team as you help clients achieve their vision - and grow your own career with confidence.

• Manage end-to-end delivery of HR and Payroll transformation projects, including operating model assessments, system implementations, system selection, and process redesign, serving as a trusted advisor to client leadership.
• Partner with clients to assess current state operations, identify pain points, and develop future-state roadmaps for improved efficiency, scalability, and enhanced compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement and governance frameworks across HR and Payroll processes by implementing best practices, optimizing workflows, and leveraging technology. Design and lead workshops on all topics across workforce transformation strategy for stakeholder alignment and change management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of technology and processes.
• Own the delivery of project milestones, ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards and client expectations.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by understanding business needs, delivering tailored solutions, and ensuring long-term satisfaction and partnership.
• Lead and develop project teams by providing guidance, fostering collaboration, and mentoring junior resources. Promote a culture of learning and accountability to build high-performing teams.
• Collaborate with internal teams to contribute to methodology development, whitepapers, and thought leadership.
• Lead proposal development, pricing strategies, and scope definition, offering tailored solutions to prospective clients.
• Meet or exceed targeted utilization
• Other duties as assigned

Your day-to-day may include:

• Manage end-to-end delivery of HR and Payroll transformation projects, including operating model assessments, system implementations, system selection, and process redesign, serving as a trusted advisor to client leadership.
• Partner with clients to assess current state operations, identify pain points, and develop future-state roadmaps for improved efficiency, scalability, and enhanced compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement and governance frameworks across HR and Payroll processes by implementing best practices, optimizing workflows, and leveraging technology. Design and lead workshops on all topics across workforce transformation strategy for stakeholder alignment and change management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of technology and processes.
• Own the delivery of project milestones, ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards and client expectations.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by understanding business needs, delivering tailored solutions, and ensuring long-term satisfaction and partnership.
• Lead and develop project teams by providing guidance, fostering collaboration, and mentoring junior resources. Promote a culture of learning and accountability to build high-performing teams.
• Collaborate with internal teams to contribute to methodology development, whitepapers, and thought leadership.
• Lead proposal development, pricing strategies, and scope definition, offering tailored solutions to prospective clients.
• Meet or exceed targeted utilization
• Other duties as assigned

You have the following technical skills and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in HR/Payroll transformation, consulting, or related roles.
• Proficiency in HR and Payroll systems (UKG, Dayforce, Workday, SAP/SuccessFactors, etc).
• Ability to align transformation initiatives with broader business strategy and workforce trends.
• Experience in selecting and implementing HCM platforms and designing HR operating models.
• Familiarity with automation tools and data analytics to drive process improvement.
• Understanding of global payroll compliance, data privacy regulations, and cross-border operations
• Track record of mentoring teams, developing intellectual capital, and contributing to practice growth.
• Comfortable presenting to C-Suite/senior executives and shaping strategic conversations.
• Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of compliance standards and risk mitigation strategies.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Can travel as needed.

The base salary range for this position is between $147,200 and $196,880. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job -related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

About Us

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result - for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services - and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

About The Team

The team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:

• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different - and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers

Benefits

We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits

• Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave, and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
• Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.

Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.

Additional Details

It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton LLP to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact [e-mail].

For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Gran Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employments or continued employment.