HR Consulting Experienced Manager (Payroll)

Grant Thornton (US); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 147,200 - 196,880; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development resources

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Grant Thornton is seeking a seasoned Manager to lead HR and Payroll transformation initiatives for client organizations. You will shape global operating models, guide service delivery, and contribute to firm-building activities through thought leadership and talent development on project teams.

You will partner with clients to assess current state, design future-state roadmaps, and drive governance, automation, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable efficiency and compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, or related field.
• 10+ years of HR/Payroll transformation experience.
• Proficiency in HR/Payroll systems (UKG, Dayforce, Workday, SAP/SuccessFactors, etc.).
• Ability to align transformation initiatives with broader business strategy.
• Experience selecting and implementing HCM platforms and HR operating models.
• Familiarity with automation tools and data analytics for process improvement.
• Understanding of global payroll compliance and cross-border operations.
• Mentoring teams and contributing to practice growth.
• Comfort 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end HR and Payroll transformation projects including operating model assessments and redesigns.
• Partner with clients to assess current state and develop future-state roadmaps for efficiency and compliance.
• Drive governance frameworks and leverage technology to optimize processes.
• Design and lead workshops on workforce transformation strategy for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with vendors to ensure seamless integration of technology and processes.
• Own delivery of project milestones, ensuring quality and client satisfaction.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships with tailored solutions.
• Mentor project teams and develop talent across the practice.
• Contribute to methodology development, whitepapers, and thought leadership.
• Lead proposal development, pricing strategies, and scope definition.
• Meet or exceed targeted utilization.

Skills

HR/Payroll transformation leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Change management

Education

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

Tools

UKG

Dayforce

Workday

SAP/SuccessFactors

Job description

Job Overview

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 developing global HR and Payroll operating models, including GBS or shared services frameworks. The position also involves contributing to sales and proposal opportunities, participating in firm‑building activities such as thought leadership, and developing talent on project teams and across the practice.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Can travel as needed.

Salary

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 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.

Benefits

• Personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all identities, roles, and aspirations.
• Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance programs, employee assistance program, and paid sick leave.
• Eligibility for a discretionary, annual bonus for eligible employees based on individual and firm performance.
• 70+ benefits categories, including retirement plans, wellness programs, and professional development resources.

EEO Statement

Grant Thornton is an equal opportunity employer. All personnel decisions (including 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, 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. Grant Thornton LLP provides reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. 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 a condition of employment or continued employment. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.