Contractor Payments Manager

About the role

Job Purpose: The Contractor Payments Manager oversees the team that processes contractor payroll (“settlements”) for a wide range of client submissions, directing payroll procedures to ensure timely, accurate completion and disbursement of funds to independent contractors on the targeted date, and builds/maintains strong client relationships to support seamless transactions.

General Summary: The Contractor Payments Manager maintains expert knowledge of contractor payroll (settlement) processes within Openforce to support clients with their payroll processing needs and ensure overall client satisfaction. This individual provides timely solutions to clients' payroll concerns, shows initiative and drive when addressing client payroll requests, and remains a visible, first‑level “go‑to” resource for the team — leading, mentoring, and coaching team members while providing guidance and direction in accordance with established policies and procedures. This position also holds regular one‑on‑ones, sets performance measures, and conducts performance reviews focused on developing team members and helping them grow in their roles.

Reports To: Chief Experience Officer • Job Type: Exempt, Full‑Time • Location: Remote • Travel: As Needed

Responsibilities

• Manages the day‑to‑day operations of the Contractor Payments Team and serves as the escalation point for all matters specific to client payroll (settlements), both internally and externally.
• Monitors client payroll submissions and ensures timely action is taken by the respective team members.
• Assists in training new additions to the team.
• Actively participates in leadership team meetings and acts as a voice for the Contractor Payments Team in those meetings.
• Performs quality assurance reviews of processed payroll (settlements) and newly configured deductions, resolving errors by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to reduce errors resulting from manual processes.
• Serves as a change agent, identifying opportunities to optimize outdated or inefficient payroll processes — both internally and with clients — and leads initiatives to streamline submissions, gain efficiencies, and reduce margin of error.
• Helps ensure a smooth transition between implementation and the payroll team following initial enrollment and other onboarding activities.
• Adds to knowledge base content and ensures user adoption.
• Continually develops and maintains product, industry, and systems knowledge and skills.
• Maintains a strong relationship with internal partners such as Client Services, Strategic Account Management, Accounting, Product, and Engineering teams.
• Uses multiple tools and research resources to develop accurate and comprehensive responses to a wide range of client inquiries regarding payroll practices.
• Works closely with the Strategic Account Manager to address client requests for guidance and best practices, and ensures the team provides proactive updates and information to clients.
• Works closely with payroll and accounting staff at client offices to ensure alignment on payroll processes, timing, and reporting needs.
• Partners with company executives to discuss and determine changes to payroll schedules or distribution methods.
• Prepares and analyzes weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on payroll activity, identifying trends and providing insights to inform internal decision‑making.
• Oversees accounts receivable invoicing related to payroll activity and leads collection efforts on outstanding balances.

Qualifications

• 3+ years leading a team responsible for high‑volume, deadline‑driven transaction processing or client payroll/settlement operations.
• Direct, hands‑on experience managing, coaching, and developing people; individual‑contributor experience alone does not meet this requirement.
• Demonstrated experience as a change agent — leading a team through new processes, systems, or organizational change.
• Knowledge of contractor payroll and settlement processes, including wage and hour principles.
• Bachelor's degree or comparable job experience.