Director, Payroll & Operations

Job SummaryThe Director, Payroll & Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Los Angeles Chargers’ payroll function. This role is responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and governance framework for payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency. The Director also serves as a centralized expert for payroll-driven workforce insights. The role reports directly to our Chief Financial Officer. Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll and HRISLead and oversee all payroll operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, accuracy, and compliance. Establish payroll strategies, policies, and procedures that drive operational excellence and scalability. Serve as the organizational subject matter expert on payroll operations and multi-state compliance. Foster a strong culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement across payroll operations. Serve as the Dayforce Payroll Power User, owning system functionality, configuration, enhancements, and optimization. Lead payroll-related HRIS strategy, ensuring systems effectively support operational needs, compliance, and reporting. Partner with HR and IT on system upgrades, integrations, testing (UAT), and issue resolution. Drive automation and process efficiencies through system capabilities and enhancements. People Insights & Workforce ReportingAct as a central resource for payroll-driven workforce data and insights, supporting business and financial decision-making. Partner with HR and Finance to deliver reporting, dashboards, and KPIs related to workforce costs, trends, and operational metrics. Ensure payroll data integrity and consistency to support enterprise-wide reporting needs. Translate complex payroll and workforce data into clear, actionable insights for leadership. Operational ExcellenceEnsure accurate and timely end-to-end payroll processing, including payroll accounting, tax filings, and reporting for staff and football. Oversee payroll systems and timekeeping processes to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery. Compliance & Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and wage and hour regulations. Oversee garnishments, levies, and wage deductions to ensure legal compliance. Design, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard payroll accuracy and confidentiality. Lead internal and external audits and ensure timely resolution of findings. Financial Partnership & ReportingPartner with Finance to ensure accurate general ledger integration, reconciliations, and financial reporting. Provide executive-level insights into payroll, workforce costs, and financial impact. Advise leadership on payroll implications related to complex or non-routine transactions.401(k) Administration Oversee administration of the company’s 401(k) and retirement plans, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational objectives. Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor regulations, including nondiscrimination testing, reporting, and required filings (e.g., Form 5500). Partner with external vendors (recordkeepers, plan administrators, auditors, and advisors) to ensure effective plan management and service delivery. Lead payroll integration with 401(k) plans, ensuring accurate and timely employee contributions, employer match, and funding. Support plan audits by coordinating required documentation and ensuring timely resolution of findings. Collaborate with HR and Benefits to support plan design, enhancements, and employee communications. Monitor plan performance and recommend improvements to enhance employee participation and operational efficiency. Act as a key escalation point for complex retirement plan issues and inquiries. NFL ReportingSupport payroll practices align with the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), maintaining compliance with league compensation rules, governance, and reporting requirements. Partner closely with Football Operations and Finance to support salary cap planning and reporting, ensuring payroll data is accurate, timely, and aligned with player compensation structures. Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead, develop, and mentor a high-performing payroll team. Establish performance expectations, KPIs, and development plans aligned with organizational priorities. Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence. Required Skills & CompetenciesDeep expertise in multi-state payroll operations, compliance, and regulatory requirementsAdvanced proficiency in HRIS systems, with strong Dayforce (Ceridian) experience preferredExperience serving as a payroll system super user or functional leadStrong analytical skills with ability to translate payroll and workforce data into insightsStrong business acumen linking payroll operations to financial and operational outcomesProven ability to design internal controls and drive process improvementsExceptional leadership and team development skillsStrong collaboration and influencing skills across functionsExcellent communication and executive presentation capabilitiesHigh level of integrity and ability to manage confidential dataEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field (CPP or advanced degree preferred)8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership of multi-state payroll operationsDemonstrated experience with Dayforce payroll systems is a plus! Experience supporting workforce reporting, analytics, or operational insightsProven track record leading system enhancements, implementations, or operational transformationThe Los Angeles Chargers are committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment that reflects our incredibly diverse fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We believe diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.