Global Payroll Manager

Harbor is a rapidly growing, private equity-backed global professional services company investing in its people, technology, and operational capabilities. As a Global Payroll Manager, you will lead the evolution of a multi-country payroll function, combining deep Workday payroll expertise with hands-on operational leadership and the management of a global team of payroll professionals. You will be joining a collaborative global Talent team at an exciting time as we modernize our Payroll and Talent technology.
This role requires a payroll professional who can deliver accurate, compliant payroll across the U.S., UK, Canada, and additional jurisdictions while serving as a subject-matter expert for Workday Payroll. You will partner with Talent, Finance, Technology, vendors, and business leaders to strengthen governance, optimize integrations and configurations, automate controls, and build scalable global payroll operations.
The ideal candidate has experience with modern HRIS platforms (Workday) and is energized by using technology to improve processes, strengthen compliance, and enhance the employee experience. They thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment, embrace continuous improvement, and are excited by the opportunity to help shape a modern global payroll function while growing their career with Harbor. This is a full-time, fully remote role than can be worked from anywhere in United States (CST/EST hours).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Payroll Administration
Own the accurate, confidential, and timely delivery of payroll across multiple countries, including the U.S., UK, and Canada, in partnership with internal teams and payroll providers
Own multi-country payrolls delivered through a PEO partner, payroll review and approval, issue resolution, compliance oversight, and service-level management
Review and approve payroll inputs, reconciliations, variance analyses, and reports, resolving exceptions before payroll is finalized
Liaise with the Finance department on reporting requirements to ensure transparency of payroll changes
Ensure payroll database reflects current and accurate information
Process all payroll data entries relevant to the employee lifecycle – new hires, salary increases, bonus, commission, garnishments, benefit deduction changes, separations
Calculate adjustments, special pays, retroactive payments, and overpayment of wages; issue manual payments as required
Calculate separation payments in compliance with Company policies and local laws
Perform analysis and preparation of payroll related year end schedules and ensure accuracy of year end returns processed by payroll vendor
Track time-entry compliance and oversee timesheet adjustments
Partner with other internal departments on audit requests
Respond to unemployment claims, verify calculations, dispute erroneous claims, and approve bills for payment
Respond to employment-verification requests as needed
Provide responsive, expert support to employees and leaders on payroll questions and complex issues
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes through automation, technology, and standardized global practices
Identify and lead opportunities to improve global payroll through automation, Workday functionality, standardized processes, data-driven insights, and effective vendor management
Support integration activities related to acquisitions, new countries, or organizational growth, ensuring a seamless employee experience
Serve as the payroll subject-matter expert for Harbor’s HR technology ecosystem, leading the ongoing optimization of Workday, Rise, OSV, integrations, configurations, testing, reporting, controls, and future payroll solutions
Perform other duties as assigned
Benefits Administration:
Validate and ensure accuracy of system configuration and deductions
Process payroll entries needed for employee benefit changes
Assist with annual healthcare renewals and open enrollment process
Team Management:
Lead, mentor, and scale a global team of payroll professionals, setting clear accountabilities and fostering continuous learning in Workday, compliance, tax, controls, and regional regulations
Establish global operating rhythms, service standards, and standard operating procedures; provide coaching and professional development; and monitor performance metrics to ensure accurate, timely, and employee-focused payroll delivery