Payroll Technology Leader

Payroll Technology Leader

The Payroll Technology Leader is responsible for maximizing the value of Eaton's Payroll, Time & Labor technology portfolio, including the UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) platform and related payroll and workforce management solutions. This leader serves as both the Product Owner and primary IT business partner for Payroll, HR, and Finance stakeholders. In this role, you will define and execute the product vision, roadmap, and investment strategy while ensuring technology solutions align with business objectives. You will partner closely with senior leaders across HR, Finance, Payroll, and IT to identify opportunities, prioritize investments, and deliver innovative, secure, and scalable solutions that enhance business performance. As a leader within Eaton's IT organization, you will oversee product funding, manage strategic vendor relationships, drive product governance and operational excellence, and lead a team responsible for delivering business outcomes across the Payroll, Time & Labor domain.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $165000 - $242000 a year. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

What You'll Do:

Product Strategy & Ownership Define, communicate, and champion the product vision, roadmap, and strategic priorities for Payroll, Time & Labor solutions, including UKG. Own and prioritize the product backlog, ensuring alignment with business priorities and enterprise IT strategy. Translate business objectives into epics, features, user stories, and measurable outcomes for Agile delivery teams. Establish and manage product release, enhancement, and continuous improvement processes. Define product KPIs and drive data-informed decision-making to maximize business value. Business Partnership & Stakeholder Management Serve as the primary relationship manager between IT and Payroll, HR, and Finance business stakeholders. Partner with senior leaders to identify opportunities, evaluate investments, and align technology solutions with strategic goals. Develop business cases, secure stakeholder support, and lead prioritization of initiatives. Act as a trusted advisor, bringing industry knowledge, innovation, and best practices to the business. Leadership & Delivery Lead and develop a team of product owners, analysts, engineers, and other IT professionals. Balance investments across new capabilities, system health, operational support, compliance, and technical modernization. Define priorities and objectives for Agile teams utilizing Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and DevSecOps practices. Drive continuous improvement in product management, delivery, and governance processes. Product Governance & Operations Ensure the stability, performance, security, compliance, and overall health of Payroll, Time & Labor platforms. Maintain governance for payroll data, access controls, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and business processes. Manage product budgets, funding allocations, and vendor contracts to support delivery objectives. Oversee relationships with software and service providers, including UKG, ensuring alignment with business and IT strategy. Ensure solutions adhere to enterprise architecture standards and eliminate redundant or low-value initiatives.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Minimum 10 years of experience leading complex payroll technology programs, projects, or product initiatives. Minimum 3 years of people leadership experience. Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience with UKG/Kronos payroll, workforce management, and timekeeping solutions. Authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or other advanced degree. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or equivalent product management certification. 7+ years of experience as a Product Owner, Product Manager, or in a similar role supporting Payroll, Time & Labor, HR, or Finance functions. Strong functional expertise in payroll, time and attendance, labor management, and regulatory compliance processes. Experience integrating payroll and workforce management platforms with HRIS and ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP). Deep understanding of modern product management principles, Agile methodologies, Scrum, Kanban, and DevSecOps practices. Knowledge of cloud-based applications, APIs, microservices, automation technologies, and software development lifecycle best practices. Experience developing and managing product roadmaps, budgets, and investment portfolios. Executive-level communication and influence skills, with the ability to effectively engage senior leadership stakeholders. Proven track record of building trusted cross-functional partnerships and leading organizational change across HR, Finance, and IT. Experience working in global, matrixed organizations and collaborating with cross-cultural teams. Passion for leveraging technology and innovation to deliver exceptional employee and customer experiences.