Senior Director - Global Payroll and Time

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payroll operations for Lilly US ensuring payroll is processed accurately, compliantly, and on time.
• Oversee equity-related payroll events including the management of KPMG (our mobile taxation processor), award processing, and special, limited scope payments.
• Lead payroll readiness and execution for new country and acquired company launches. Manage entity changes including regulatory setup, vendor selection, and integration into Lilly's global payroll framework.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for complex cross-border, multi-jurisdictional, and executive-level payroll matters.
• Maintain and continuously improve payroll governance, controls, and audit readiness — including full SOX compliance payroll accounting practices.
• Own and simplify the PATT technology portfolio — reducing vendor complexity, retiring legacy tools, and enabling best practices across regions.
• Partner to optimise integrations between Workday and downstream payroll, finance, benefits, equity administration, and reporting systems.
• Develop and drive strategic vendor relationships, example PWC — set clear SLAs, conduct performance reviews, and hold partners accountable to quality standards.
• Consult on outsourced payroll service agreements, ensuring cost-effectiveness and service excellence for all Lilly markets.
• Partner with Procurement and Legal on contract renewals, escalation frameworks, and vendor risk management.
• Ensure compliance with employment tax regulations, labour laws, and data privacy requirements in the US — maintaining active awareness of regulatory changes.
• Lead payroll's contribution to year-end financial close and external reporting, including MD&A readiness, 401(k) audit support, and payroll-driven disclosures.
• Oversee payroll for stock compensation that incorporates multi-jurisdictional tax requirements.
• Maintain robust internal controls and coordinate with Internal Audit and external auditors on SOX testing and payroll-related control assessments.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a team of PATT professionals in the US — cultivating a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and psychological safety.
• Model the leadership philosophy of HRTO — removing barriers, granting permission, and enabling the team to perform at their highest level.
• Partner closely with Finance, Legal, Compensation, Benefits, Global Mobility, and HR Business Partners to ensure payroll supports Lilly's broader people and business agenda.
• Represent PATT in enterprise-level programmes including M&A activity, system implementations, and compensation policy changes.
• Prepare and present executive-level reporting on payroll operations, compliance posture, risk indicators, and strategic initiatives to HRTO and CFO-area leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA, MSHR) preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in global payroll operations, including proven ability to transform and scale.
• Demonstrated Workday Payroll expertise, with strong working knowledge of Time Tracking and Absence modules; Workday certification preferred.
• Fluency in SOX compliance, GAAP payroll accounting, and multi-jurisdictional employment tax and labour law.
• Proven experience managing large-scale payroll vendor relationships (e.g., ADP, third-party country payroll providers).
• Track record of leading payroll transformation initiatives — including system implementations, process automation, and AI-enabled improvements.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills — able to operate with credibility across Finance, Legal, HR, and executive leadership.
• Experience in a large global public company (Fortune 500 equivalent), ideally in life sciences, technology, or a similarly regulated industry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Experience with equity and stock-based compensation payroll across multiple tax jurisdictions.
• Prior experience with Workday Orchestrate, RPA tooling?, or AI-driven payroll automation.
• Familiarity with KPMG, EQ (Equatex), ADP Workforce Now, and Experian as payroll ecosystem partners.
• Experience leading payroll through M&A integrations, entity expansions, or significant organizational transformation.