Payroll Manager - Payroll Processing (VIRTUAL, TX, US, 00000)

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we’re all about propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We are driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. We deliver innovative solutions that make our customers’ lives easier—helping them power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company.
We offer a dynamic work environment and a unified and inclusive culture. NRG fosters a strong sense of belonging that leads to better collaboration and business performance. Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society.
More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
The Payroll Processor Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, governance, compliance, administration, and execution of enterprise payroll operations. This role oversees payroll processing teams, payroll controls, payroll compliance, payroll technology, vendor relationships, workforce planning, and payroll transformation initiatives.
The Payroll Processor Manager establishes payroll strategy, drives operational excellence, ensures regulatory compliance, and partners with senior leaders across Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Legal, and business operations to support organizational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Leadership & Strategy
Lead enterprise payroll operations across multiple payroll schedules, business units, and employee populations

Establish payroll strategy, objectives, and operational priorities

Develop payroll governance, policies, procedures, and controls

Ensure alignment of payroll operations with organizational goals

Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives

Payroll Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations

Manage payroll risk assessments and control reviews

Ensure compliance with internal audit and regulatory requirements

Oversee year-end payroll processing

Payroll Operations Management
Oversee payroll processing operations and service delivery

Ensure payroll accuracy, timeliness, and quality standards

Monitor operational performance and service levels

Establish and monitor payroll KPIs and metrics

Review payroll trends and implement corrective actions as needed

Leadership & Talent Development
Lead payroll workforce planning activities

Develop staffing strategies and succession plans

Coach, mentor, and develop payroll leadership and staff

Foster a culture of accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement

Vendor & Technology Management
Manage payroll vendor relationships and service delivery

Oversee payroll technology strategy and optimization

Partner with HRIS and IT teams on system enhancements

Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations

Business Partnership
Partner with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders

Provide payroll expertise and consultation to leadership teams

Support enterprise initiatives and strategic business priorities

Acquisitions, Integrations & Transformation
Lead payroll due diligence activities for mergers and acquisitions

Oversee payroll integrations and transition activities

Lead payroll optimization and transformation initiatives

Identify automation opportunities and process improvements

Establish future-state payroll operating models

Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED and 12 years of payroll experience, including 4 years of leadership experience and 7 years of SAP Employee Central Payroll experience; OR

Associate Degree and 10 years of payroll experience, including 4 years of leadership experience and 7 years of SAP Employee Central Payroll experience; OR

Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of payroll experience, including 4 years of leadership experience and 7 years of SAP Employee Central Payroll experience

7+ years multi-state payroll experience

Experience managing payroll vendors and third-party service providers

Experience leading enterprise payroll operations in a large, complex organization

Advanced reporting, analytics, and workforce planning experience

Preferred Qualifications
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire

Experience leading payroll transformations and optimization initiatives

Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, and payroll integrations

Strong financial, analytical, and operational leadership skills

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.
EEO is the Law Poster (The poster can be found at
Official description on file with Talent.
We support the use of AI tools to help you prepare for your interview (e.g., practicing responses, researching the role, or refining your resume). However, during interviews and assessments, we expect responses to reflect your own thinking, experience, and communication. Use of AI to generate or read answers in real time, complete assessments, or misrepresent your qualifications is not permitted and may impact your candidacy.
Originally posted on Himalayas