Senior Manager Payroll

Jetblue Airways; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

Travel privileges

Job summary

JetBlue Airways is seeking a Senior Manager Payroll to lead weekly and semi-monthly payroll for 24,000+ employees and ensure accuracy and compliance. The role partners across People, Finance, Legal, and Labor Relations to drive payroll strategies while mentoring a dispersed team and delivering process improvements.

Applicants should have 6+ years in payroll with at least 5 in management, strong knowledge of payroll laws, and proficiency with MS Office; SAP Payroll/UKG Dimensions/ADP experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 6 years payroll experience.
• Six years payroll experience, with five in management.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, regulations and best practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; SAP/UKG/ADP experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the timely processing of weekly and semi-monthly payrolls for over 24,000 employees with accuracy.
• Partner with People, Finance, Legal, Labor Relations and operational teams to shape payroll strategies.
• Creatively troubleshoot and manage complex payroll problems.
• Lead and mentor payroll professionals across multiple locations to achieve operational excellence.
• Maintain SOX compliance, coordinate with auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Set strategy and drive continuous improvement for payroll processes.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical mindset

Project management

Attention to detail

Flexible hours

Overnight travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

CPP Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP Payroll

UKG Dimensions

ADP

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Manager Payroll leads the payroll function from a strategic and daily processing perspective. The Senior Manager ensures the delivery of accurate and timely weekly and semi-monthly payroll as well as compliance with rules and regulations. They will be expected to proactively address the changing needs of the business and drive process efficiencies. This crucial role demands outstanding collaboration and communication skills and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service to internal customers.

Essential Responsibilities

• Ensure the timely processing of weekly and semi-monthly payrolls for over 24,000 employees, guaranteeing accuracy and addressing any issues with prompt and courteous customer service.
• Work as a strategic business partner with People, Finance, Legal, Labor Relations and various operational workgroups to develop strategies related to the administration of payroll processes.
• Creatively troubleshoot and manage complex problems.
• Lead and mentor a team of payroll professionals across multiple locations, providing guidance and leadership to ensure operational excellence.
• Manage internal control procedures within the department ensuring Sarbanes‑Oxley Act (SOX) compliance, collaborate with auditors, and facilitate compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Set strategy and improvement objectives for the payroll department.
• Lead with a continuous improvement mindset and identify opportunities for process optimization to enhance the efficiency of the payroll process while maintaining process documentation and controls.
• Serve as the payroll liaison and expert for large cross‑functional initiatives impacting payroll.
• Ensure proper testing and implementation of any system enhancements affecting payroll.
• Manage relationships with third‑party international payroll providers.
• Manage a high degree of change in a fast‑paced, complex and demanding environment.
• Ad hoc projects, reporting and analysis as requested.
• Take a significant role in the development of crew members to support their engagement, growth, and goal achievement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; OR demonstrated capability to perform job responsibilities with a High School Diploma/GED and at least six (6) years of previous relevant work experience.
• Six (6) years of payroll experience, with five (5) years of management experience.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, regulations and best practices.
• Problem solver with strong analytical mindset.
• Able to work flexible hours and be available on short notice.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Project management skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Available for overnight travel (10%).
• Must pass a pre‑employment drug test.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located.
• Authorization to work in the US is required. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of payroll experience, with five (5) years of management experience.
• Experience with SAP Payroll and UKG Dimensions time management systems.
• Certified Professional Payroll Certification (CPP).
• Automatic Data Processing (ADP) tax provider experience.
• Previous airline industry experience.

Equipment

Computer and other office equipment

Work Environment

Traditional office environment

Physical Effort

Generally not required, or up to 10 pounds occasionally, 0 pounds frequently. (Sedentary)

Compensation

The base pay range for this position is between $115,000.00 and $165,000.00 per year. Base pay is one component of JetBlue’s total compensation package, which may also include performance bonuses, restricted stock units, as well as access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, crew member stock purchase plan, short‑term and long‑term disability coverage, basic life insurance, free space available travel on JetBlue, and more.