Workday US Payroll Lead

Overview
We are seeking a Workday US Payroll Lead to drive the Payroll workstream within Workday implementation, optimization, and support initiatives. This is a senior, hands-on role responsible for leading payroll design, configuration, client engagement, and overall delivery.
This is a full-time, direct hire opportunity for an experienced Workday Payroll professional who enjoys remaining hands-on while also helping develop the next generation of consultants. The ideal candidate combines deep Workday Payroll expertise with strong leadership, mentoring, and client advisory capabilities.
In addition to delivering successful payroll projects, this individual will play a key role in developing and mentoring junior consultants, helping them build the consulting, client management, and Workday delivery skills necessary to independently lead projects and customer engagements. This role offers the opportunity to influence delivery standards, shape team development, and contribute to the continued growth of a high-performing Workday practice.
Key Responsibilities
Workday Payroll Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the Workday US Payroll workstream within active implementation and optimization projects.
• Own payroll design and configuration across earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, payroll accounting, and related payroll processes.
• Provide guidance on U.S. payroll compliance including tax regulations, wage attachments, Common Pay Master, and other regulatory requirements.
• Support complex payroll requirements including union / collective bargaining environments and retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)).
• Facilitate client workshops and working sessions to gather, validate, and refine business requirements.
• Translate business requirements into scalable, maintainable Workday configurations and solutions.
• Drive testing efforts including unit testing, parallel payroll testing, payroll reconciliation, and UAT.
• Support issue triage, defect resolution, and payroll readiness activities through go-live.
• Communicate project status, risks, dependencies, and key decisions to stakeholders and project leadership.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including HCM, Benefits, Integrations, Finance, and Reporting.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to client stakeholders by providing strategic guidance and payroll best practices.
• Lead customer meetings, steering committee discussions, and payroll design sessions.
• Manage client expectations while balancing business requirements, project scope, and Workday best practices.
• Provide consultative recommendations that improve payroll operations, compliance, efficiency, and scalability.
• Support business development efforts by participating in solution discussions, client presentations, and practice growth initiatives as needed.

• Mentor and coach Junior Consultants and Associate Consultants across Workday Payroll projects.
• Provide hands-on training in Workday configuration, requirements gathering, testing, issue resolution, and implementation methodology.
• Develop junior team members' client-facing consulting skills, including meeting facilitation, stakeholder communication, presentation delivery, and executive interactions.
• Guide consultants on customer relationship management best practices, including expectation setting, issue management, conflict resolution, and trusted advisor behaviors.
• Create opportunities for junior consultants to progressively lead workshops, status meetings, and project deliverables under supervision.
• Review work products and provide constructive feedback to ensure quality and professional growth.
• Support career development planning and readiness assessments for consultants progressing into Lead Consultant roles.
• Foster a culture of knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and consulting excellence.
• Help build a scalable consulting organization by developing repeatable processes, training materials, and delivery best practices.

• Active Workday US Payroll Certification required.
• Proven experience leading Workday US Payroll implementations as a Lead Consultant or Workstream Lead.
• Deep understanding of U.S. payroll regulations including tax, garnishments, wage attachments, and Common Pay Master.
• Hands-on experience with payroll accounting, reconciliation, and payroll period close processes.
• Experience supporting retirement plans such as 401(k).
• Exposure to union / collective bargaining environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently as a workstream lead and primary client-facing consultant.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading junior consultants and implementation team members.
• Strong customer management and consulting skills with the ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to facilitate workshops, manage difficult conversations, and present recommendations to leadership teams.
• Experience with Workday Launch, Launch Express, or similar implementation methodologies preferred.
• Passion for developing future consultants and helping team members progress into independent project leadership roles.

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