Director, HR Operations, Dayforce

Job description

The Director, HR Operations leads HR infrastructure, core processes, and systems while ensuring compliance and optimizing day-to-day operations to deliver a positive employee experience. This critical leadership role is responsible for leading and optimizing HR processes, systems, and data to support the successful execution of people strategies in both the short and long term. This role will drive HR process transformation, oversee HRIS configuration and optimization within Dayforce, and ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery. Serving as a strategic partner to HR leadership, the Director, HR Operations will ensure operational excellence across key HR systems and processes. The position also acts as the primary liaison between HR and IT, governing the HR project portfolio, managing vendor relationships, and providing technical guidance to HR teams. IMPORTANT: Hands-on Dayforce experience is required. Candidates without direct Dayforce administration, configuration, and optimization experience will not be considered. Key Responsibilities HR Process Transformation • Lead initiatives to streamline and modernize HR processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and employee experience. • Partner with HR leadership to identify process gaps and implement best practices aligned with business objectives. HRIS Configuration & Optimization (Dayforce) • Manage the configuration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Dayforce HRIS platform. • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure system functionality meets business needs and compliance requirements. • Oversee data integrity, reporting, and analytics to support informed decision-making. Payroll Delivery • Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. • Partner with Finance and HR teams to resolve payroll issues and drive continuous process improvement. Data, Compliance & Controls • Maintain high standards of data accuracy, integrity, and security across all HR systems. • Ensure compliance with labor laws, tax regulations, company policies, and SOX requirements. • Support process controls, documentation, testing activities, remediation efforts, and audit readiness. People Strategy Enablement • Align HR operations with organizational objectives to deliver a seamless employee experience. • Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to HR leadership through reporting and process analysis. Governance & Project Leadership • Support governance of the HR project portfolio, talent analytics, system enhancements, and process controls. • Lead and participate in HR technology and process improvement initiatives, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery. • Provide direction to technical teams regarding the design and development of systems, applications, reports, and analyses that support business needs. Basic Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered. • 7+ years of progressive HR experience. • Hands-on experience with Dayforce HRIS required. • Experience with HRIS configuration and optimization strongly preferred. • Strong knowledge of SOX compliance requirements, including internal controls, documentation standards, testing cycles, remediation tracking, and audit support. Additional Qualifications • Proficiency in HRIS platforms and analytics tools with the ability to leverage data for informed decision-making. • Naturally curious with a tendency to ask thoughtful questions that add value and drive better outcomes. • Collaborative team player with a proven ability to build strong relationships across the organization. • Broad knowledge of HR functions, systems, and business processes. • Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to connect business objectives to HR strategies. • Experience leading and developing HR teams; demonstrated ability to influence and drive change without direct authority. • Strong project management skills with experience leading cross-functional HR technology, payroll, compliance, and process transformation initiatives. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization and translate data into actionable insights. • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality and managing competing priorities. • Highly responsive and customer-focused, with the ability to handle multiple deadlines and complex workloads. • Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to view setbacks as learning opportunities and quickly turn challenges into solutions. Compensation The base salary range for this position is $130,700 - $196,100 annually.