Pay & Time Leader

Job description

Pay & Time Leader The Pay & Time Leader is responsible for the end‑to‑end oversight, governance, and continuous improvement of U.S. payroll and time tracking operations. This role serves as the operational link between HR Operations, HRIS, Finance, IT, and HR leadership to ensure pay and time administration is accurate, compliant, efficient, and employee‑focused. The position provides hands‑on oversight of payroll and time tracking activities, with a strong focus on operational excellence, internal controls, system optimization, and consistent service delivery across the enterprise. Operational Oversight & Payroll Management Oversee payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely processing across all pay types, including on/off‑cycle, bonuses, equity, merit, deferred compensation, and relocation payments. Ensure compliance and manage payroll risk across federal, state, provincial, and local wage, tax, and audit requirements. Manage payroll systems and data integrity in coordination with HR, Finance, and IT, including validation of gross‑to‑net accuracy. Maintain effective controls and procedures through documented SOPs, approvals, reconciliations, and regular process reviews. Coordinate with vendors and internal partners supporting payroll, time, and tax operations. Monitor payroll performance and reporting, including KPIs, audits, and operational metrics. Oversee resolution of payroll issues, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions. Ensure timely and accurate payroll tax filing and reconciliation across all required jurisdictions. Time & Attendance Management Oversee end‑to‑end time tracking governance, including system configuration, compliance rules, and workflow optimization. Evaluate and improve time capture accuracy, labor tracking, scheduling workflows, and integrations between HRIS, time tracking, and payroll systems. Partner with HRIS and IT to optimize technologies such as Workday, ADP, UKG Pro WFM, ServiceNow, and other platforms. Stakeholder & Cross ‑Functional Leadership Build strong partnerships with HRBPs, COEs, Finance, IT, HR Operations, and external vendors. Communicate progress, risks, and improvements through presentations, dashboards, and executive summaries. Represent Pay & Time in enterprise programs, mergers, acquisitions, and transformation initiatives. Team Leadership & Development Manage, coach, and develop payroll and time tracking team members; set performance goals and monitor results. Establish staffing plans and schedules to ensure consistent service delivery. Build a high‑performing team culture centered on accuracy, integrity, and customer experience. Continuous Improvement & Technology Innovation Lead process optimization, automation, and digitalization efforts across payroll and time tracking. Analyze data to identify trends, cost savings, and opportunities for improvement. Implement new policies, controls, and operational procedures aligned to evolving business needs. Required Qualifications 10+ years of progressive experience in U.S. payroll and time operations, including team management. Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations, payroll tax, and gross‑to‑net calculations. 5+ years’ of experience managing payroll and time tracking in a complex, multi‑site manufacturing environment, including union populations across multiple states and 23 legal entities. Strong understanding of time tracking workflows, scheduling, and compliance requirements. Experience with major systems such as Workday, ADP, WFM, and ServiceNow. Proven ability to lead onsite and remote teams with strong leadership, communication and analytical skills. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline or equivalent work experience. Preferred Qualifications CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification. Advanced degrees in HR, Business, Accounting, or related field. Experience driving global payroll or time tracking transformation initiatives. Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met. #LI-PROMOTEDJOBS Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $120600-171800. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at . Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible. What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First? At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other. If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you. Who are we? Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike. Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at . Culture powers us and the possibilities. We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more. Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.