HR Consulting Experienced Manager (Payroll)

Grant Thornton is seeking an experienced and dynamic Manager to lead strategic initiatives that transform HR and Payroll operations for our clients. This role requires a strong background in workforce strategy, organizational design, and service delivery as well as experience in developing global HR and Payroll operating models, including GBS or shared services frameworks.

This role would also contribute to sales and proposal opportunities, participate in firm-building activities such as thought leadership, and develop talent on project teams and across the practice.

From day one, you'll be supported and empowered by our broader Transformation team as you help clients achieve their vision - and grow your own career with confidence.

Your day-to-day may include

• Manage end-to-end delivery of HR and Payroll transformation projects, including operating model assessments, system implementations, system selection, and process redesign, serving as a trusted advisor to client leadership.
• Partner with clients to assess current state operations, identify pain points, and develop future-state roadmaps for improved efficiency, scalability, and enhanced compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement and governance frameworks across HR and Payroll processes by implementing best practices, optimizing workflows, and leveraging technology. Design and lead workshops on all topics across workforce transformation strategy for stakeholder alignment and change management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of technology and processes.
• Own the delivery of project milestones, ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards and client expectations.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by understanding business needs, delivering tailored solutions, and ensuring long-term satisfaction and partnership.
• Lead and develop project teams by providing guidance, fostering collaboration, and mentoring junior resources. Promote a culture of learning and accountability to build high-performing teams.
• Collaborate with internal teams to contribute to methodology development, whitepapers, and thought leadership.
• Lead proposal development, pricing strategies, and scope definition, offering tailored solutions to prospective clients.
• Meet or exceed targeted utilization
• Other duties as assigned

You have the following technical skills and qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, HR, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in HR/Payroll transformation, consulting, or related roles.
• Proficiency in HR and Payroll systems (UKG, Dayforce, Workday, SAP/SuccessFactors, etc).
• Ability to align transformation initiatives with broader business strategy and workforce trends.
• Experience in selecting and implementing HCM platforms and designing HR operating models.
• Familiarity with automation tools and data analytics to drive process improvement.
• Understanding of global payroll compliance, data privacy regulations, and cross-border operations
• Track record of mentoring teams, developing intellectual capital, and contributing to practice growth.
• Comfortable presenting to C-Suite/senior executives and shaping strategic conversations.
• Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of compliance standards and risk mitigation strategies.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Can travel as needed.

The base salary range for this position is between $147,200 and $196,880. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton's discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job -related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity.

At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

#LI-SW1

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result - for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It's what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices.

With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

Skills

Accounting Certifications, Automation, Best Practices, Business Strategy, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Change Management, Communication Skills, Consulting, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Customer Experience, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Develop Methodologies, Develop and Maintain Customers, Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), Exceeded Sales Goal, Human Resources Processes, Leadership, Mentoring, Needs Assessment, Operational Audit, Organizational Development/Management, Payroll Administration, Payroll Software/Services, People Management, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Privacy Regulations, Process Improvement, Product Pricing, Professional Services, Project Development, Project/Program Management, Proposal Development, Public Accounting, Quality Metrics, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, SAP, Sales Proposals, Sales Prospecting, Service Delivery, Strategic Planning, Talent Management, Thought Leadership, White Papers, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills

About the Company

Grant Thornton LLP

At Grant Thornton, our people are talented, intellectually curious and driven to make a difference. People who come to work here are empowered to contribute from their very first client engagement. They develop their skills working alongside our partners and through our formal leadership and technical training programs. In short, it is our ambition to build better business professionals faster than our competitors.

If you dream of working with innovative colleagues who support and inspire you, Grant Thornton is the place for you.

Visit www.GrantThornton.jobs today.

Company Size

5,000 to 9,999 employees

Industry

Accounting and Auditing Services

Founded

1924