Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Vantive is a vital organ therapy company on a mission to extend lives and expand possibilities for patients and care teams everywhere. For 70 years, our team has driven meaningful innovations in kidney care. As we build on our legacy, we are deepening our commitment to elevating the dialysis experience through digital solutions and advanced services, while looking beyond kidney care and investing in transforming vital organ therapies. Greater flexibility and efficiency in therapy administration for care teams, and longer, fuller lives for patients- that is what Vantive aspires to deliver.
We believe Vantive will not only build our leadership in the kidney care space, it will also offer meaningful work to those who join us. At Vantive, you will become part of a community of people who are focused, courageous and don't settle for the mediocre. Each of us is driven to help improve patients' lives worldwide. Join us in advancing our mission to extend lives and expand possibilities.
The Global Payroll Director is a strategic and operational leader responsible for transforming and leading the end-to-end global payroll function across APAC, EMEA, and AMERICAs. This role will design and execute the transition from a fragmented, multi-vendor payroll model to a streamlined, scalable global solution aligned to a shared services operating model.
This leader will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing and time management while improving data visibility, financial reporting, and operational efficiency. The role operates within a complex, outsourced vendor ecosystem and partners closely with HR, Finance, IT, and regional stakeholders to drive global standardization and governance.
Key Responsibilities
Global Payroll Strategy & Transformation

• Lead the design and execution of the global payroll transformation strategy, transitioning from fragmented regional models to a standardized global solution
• Define and implement the target operating model, including shared services, regional hubs, and vendor strategy
• Drive phased or full-scale implementation of global payroll platforms and integrations aligned with enterprise systems (e.g., Workday, JDE)
• Establish global governance, policies, and standards to ensure consistency across all regions
• Partner with executive stakeholders to align payroll strategy with overall HR and business priorities

Payroll Operations & Service Delivery

• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations across all regions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and service excellence
• Ensure seamless integration of timekeeping, payroll processing, and downstream financial reporting
• Define and manage service level agreements (SLAs), KPIs, and operational performance metrics
• Lead resolution of complex payroll issues and escalations across global markets
• Drive consistent employee experience through high-quality payroll service delivery

Vendor & Outsourced Model Management

• Lead global payroll vendor strategy, including selection, governance, and ongoing performance management
• Manage third-party providers in a complex outsourced environment, ensuring compliance and service delivery standards
• Optimize vendor footprint to reduce fragmentation and improve cost efficiency
• Partner with Procurement and Legal on contract negotiations, renewals, and service scope
• Establish strong governance frameworks to manage multi-vendor and regional provider models

Compliance, Risk & Controls

• Ensure compliance with all local, regional, and global payroll regulations, tax laws, and statutory requirements
• Establish and maintain robust internal controls, audit readiness, and risk mitigation frameworks
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and Compliance teams on regulatory changes and implications
• Oversee data privacy and security compliance related to payroll and employee data

Financial Management & Reporting

• Own payroll-related financial processes, including funding, reconciliation, accruals, and reporting
• Streamline and standardize payroll reporting to provide consolidated global insights
• Improve transparency and accuracy of payroll data for FP&A, and leadership
• Drive cost optimization through operating model redesign and vendor consolidation

Shared Services & Operating Model Excellence

• Lead the evolution of a global payroll shared services model, including governance, processes, and service delivery design
• Standardize, simplify, and automate payroll processes across regions
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce complexity, cost, and cycle time
• Build scalable solutions that support enterprise growth and future transformation

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop a global payroll organization, including regional teams and shared services resources
• Build strong partnerships with HR Operations, HR Technology, Finance, IT, and regional leadership
• Act as the global payroll subject matter expert and trusted advisor to senior leadership
• Drive change management across regions to support transformation and adoption

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of progressive global payroll leadership experience
• Proven experience leading global payroll transformation initiatives (multi-country, multi-region)
• Deep expertise in outsourced payroll delivery models and vendor governance
• Experience operating in a global shared services or COE environment
• Strong knowledge of global payroll compliance, tax regulations, and statutory requirements
• Experience integrating payroll with enterprise systems (e.g., Workday or similar HCM platforms)
• Demonstrated ability to lead in complex, matrixed, and highly regulated environments

Leadership Profile

• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute in complex, global environments
• Strong operational rigor with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and process excellence
• Collaborative and influential leader with strong stakeholder management skills
• Change leader with experience driving large-scale transformation initiatives
• Data-driven mindset with focus on reporting, analytics, and decision support

Success Measures

• Successful implementation of a global payroll operating model
• Improved payroll accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across all regions
• Reduction in vendor complexity and overall payroll operating costs
• Enhanced global reporting, transparency, and financial alignment
• High employee satisfaction with payroll service delivery

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Vantive, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $180,000 - $250,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.
US Benefits at Vantive
This is where your well-being matters. Vantive offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Aon Pooled Employer Plan ("Aon PEP"), Vantive's 401(k) retirement savings plan, to help you prepare for your future. The Aon PEP is designed to help improve retirement outcomes by providing retirement resources more efficiently. The plan offers a robust set of investment options, financial education, and a suite of resources to support your retirement goals.
We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees. For additional information regarding Vantive's US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Vantive
Equal Employment Opportunity
Vantive is an equal opportunity employer. Vantive evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.
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Reasonable Accommodation
Vantive is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information. Form Link
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