Sr. Manager US Payroll

Legend Biotech is seeking a Sr. Manager US Payroll as part of the HR Operations & Compliance team based in Bridgewater, NJ.

Role Overview

The Senior Manager, US Payroll is responsible for leading the end-to-end payroll function for US, ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of multi-state payroll for all employees. This role provides strategic leadership and end-to-end operational ownership of U.S. payroll operations, ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of multi-state payroll.

The Senior Manager is responsible for leading payroll governance, compliance, systems administration, controls, and continuous process improvement while serving as the subject matter expert for payroll operations. This role partnersclosely with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Benefits, Compensation, Legal, and external vendors to deliver an efficient, compliant, and employee-focused payroll function. The Senior Manager is accountable for executing the full payroll lifecycle, identifying opportunities to enhance processes and controls, mitigating operational risk, and supporting business initiatives that impact payroll.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute the end-to-end processing of multi-state, bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery.
• Process and oversee all payroll activities, including off-cycle payments, bonuses, equity, garnishments, benefit deductions, tax updates, retroactive pay, and leave payments.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, resolve complex payroll issues, and ensure payroll balances accurately before and after each payroll cycle.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, SOX controls, andcompany policies.
• Maintain payroll controls, governance, documentation, and audit readiness while identifying and mitigating operational risk.
• Manage year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, tax reporting, reconciliations, and regulatory filings.
• Partner with internal and external auditors to support payroll audits and compliance initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, automation, and employee experience.
• Lead payroll system enhancements, testing, and process optimization efforts.
• Partner with HRIS, IT, and cross-functional teams to improve integration, reporting, data integrity, and payroll workflows.
• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert and trusted advisor to HR, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Compensation, Benefits, Legal, Internal Audit and business leaders.
• Support organizational initiatives, acquisitions, reorganizations, and policy changes impacting payroll operations.
•  Develop payroll communications and resolve complex or escalated payroll inquiries with professionalism and discretion.
• Provide functional leadership for U.S. Payroll Operations, establishing standards, driving accountability, and promoting operational excellence.
• Where applicable, coach, mentor, and develop payroll team members, support cross-training, and ensure continuity of payroll operations.
• Prepare and analyze payroll, tax, labor, and headcount reports, dashboards, and key performance metrics.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities, providing insights and recommendations to improve payroll operations and support business decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8-10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership of complex, multi-state U.S. payroll operations.
• Experience supporting payroll operations within a publicly traded and/or SOX-compliant environment preferred.
• Experience with Workday Payroll and/or Workday HCM strongly preferred.
• Experience leading payroll system implementations, enhancements, or transformation initiatives preferred.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification preferred.
• Expert knowledge of U.S. payroll operations, payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and multi-state payroll administration.
• Strong understanding of SOX compliance, internal controls, audit practices, and payroll governance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex payroll operations within a large, fast-paced organization.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development skills with experience leading high-performing teams. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting critical deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll systems, HRIS platforms (Workday preferred), payroll pro-viders (OSV preferred), and Microsoft Excel.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential employee and payroll in-formation.

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