HR Consulting Experienced Manager (Payroll)

About the role

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 in developing global HR and Payroll operating models, including GBS or shared services frameworks.

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.

Requirements

• 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 in 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

Qualifications

• Can travel as needed

Benefits

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 it 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.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is between $147,200 and $196,880.

Schedule

This position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.

About Us

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

About The Team

The team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:

• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you.

Additional Details

It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, 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 or pregnancy-related condition, 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.