Senior Program Manager, People Operations

Anduril; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Anduril in the United States is seeking a Senior Program Manager, People Operations to own payroll, compensation, and compliance systems design and implementation across SOX controls and security frameworks. You will partner with Finance, Legal, and Security to protect people data and ensure regulatory compliance as the company scales.

The role requires 7+ years in payroll operations, strong SOX experience, multi-state payroll knowledge, and hands-on Workday/ADP expertise.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in program management for payroll operations, compensation, and HR compliance.
• Strong hands-on SOX compliance experience including design, testing, and audit support.
• Experience implementing security controls in HR/payroll systems and data privacy protocols.
• Deep knowledge of multi-state payroll processing, tax compliance, and wage laws.
• Expertise with enterprise HCM and payroll systems (Workday, ADP, or similar).
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payroll, compensation, and compliance system implementations.
• Drive operational excellence in payroll processing and data integrity.
• Maintain SOX controls documentation, testing, and remediation.
• Collaborate with Internal Audit, Finance, and external auditors for SOX audits.
• Design and implement security controls for sensitive people data.

Skills

SOX compliance

Workday/ADP

Multi-state payroll

HCM systems

Security controls

Payroll operations

Compensation administration

Data integrity

Tax compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Finance/Accounting/Business Administration

Tools

Workday

ADP

Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

As our Sr. Program Manager, People Operations, you will own the systems, processes, and controls that ensure operational excellence in payroll, compensation, and compliance at Anduril. In this role, you will partner with leadership, Finance, Legal, and Security teams to design and implement robust, scalable solutions that protect our most critical people data and ensure regulatory compliance—including SOX controls and security frameworks. Your work will span payroll accuracy and timeliness, compensation program integrity, SOX compliance testing and remediation, and security controls implementation—all in pursuit of operational rigor and risk mitigation as Anduril scales.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Own program management for payroll, compensation, and compliance system implementation from end-to-end, defining a solution to implementation. You will be handed ambiguous, complex problems with significant regulatory and financial implications. If this does not excite you, this is not the role for you.
• Drive operational excellence in payroll processing.
• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing and compensation administration as part of a year-long HCM implementation, including base salary changes, equity grants, bonus calculations, and commission processing, ensuring data integrity audit readiness, and compliance across multi-state and multi-entity payroll operations.
• Own and maintain SOX compliance controls related to payroll and compensation processes, including documentation, testing, remediation, and continuous monitoring of key controls.
• Partner with Internal Audit, Finance, and external auditors to prepare for and support SOX audits, control testing, and evidence gathering.
• Design and implement security controls for sensitive people data, including access management, segregation of duties, data privacy protocols, and system security configurations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive process documentation, standard operating procedures, and control matrices for all compliance activities.
• Act as subject matter expert and liaison to Finance, Legal, Security, and external partners on compliance matters.
• Drive change management initiatives related to system upgrades, process changes, and new control implementations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of proven and progressive experience in program management for core people processes like payroll operations, compensation administration, and HR compliance, with at least 2+ years managing complex programs or leading initiatives.
• Strong hands-on experience with SOX compliance, including control design, testing, documentation, and audit support.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining security controls in HR/payroll systems, including access management and data privacy protocols.
• Deep knowledge of multi-state payroll processing, tax compliance, wage and hour laws, and compensation regulations.
• Strong proven experience with enterprise HCM and payroll systems (Workday, ADP, or similar platforms).
• Technical proficiency with system configurations, reporting, and data integrity validation.
• Experience with pay equity analysis, compensation benchmarking, and equity administration.
• Exceptional analytical skills with keen attention to detail and ability to identify control weaknesses and remediation opportunities.
• Strong project management capabilities with ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to translate technical compliance requirements for diverse audiences.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in high-growth technology or defense industry environments.
• Professional certifications such as CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), FPC, or SOX/audit-related credentials.
• Experience with equity compensation administration (RSUs, stock options, ESPP).
• Familiarity with federal contractor compliance requirements (OFCCP, E-Verify, etc.).
• Background in IT security frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001) as applied to HR systems.

US Salary Range

$129,000 - $171,000 USD

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.