Payroll & HRIS Manager

JOB TITLE:  Payroll and HRIS Manager

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC

DEPARTMENT: People & Culture

REPORTS TO: Director of Payroll & Benefits

TYPE: Full-Time Regular

FLSA: Exempt

TYPE: Individual Contributor

 

OUR CLUBS

Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC are entering an exciting new era as one soccer family with a shared commitment of excellence and growth on and off the pitch. Each club has independently forged a rich history of performance while connecting deeply with the community. Our clubs are continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible while fostering an inclusive culture- championing causes and building community connections to expand our reach and impact. Each match is an opportunity to bring together our community, celebrating our resilience, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence. United in professional dedication- we are two clubs with one shared vision of progress and greatness.

 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Payroll & HRIS Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing operational excellence and enabling strategic outcomes across Seattle Sounders FC and Reign FC. As the leader of end-to-end payroll operations and systems configuration, this individual ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll for all staff while unlocking critical data and insights that inform workforce planning, total rewards, and financial forecasting.

The Manager is both a technical expert at payroll and a strategic thought partner within the People & Culture team—leveraging technology and insights to drive organizational performance and employee engagement. This role works closely with cross-functional leaders to align payroll practices with evolving organizational needs, growth initiatives, and compliance standards.

This position is ideal for a rising leader in payroll or People Operations who is looking to take the next step in their career by owning critical systems and shaping process improvements. You’ll have the support of a strong team and opportunities to grow your impact across people systems, total rewards, and analytics as the organization scales. Success in this role requires a process-oriented mindset, tech-forward curiosity, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement in service of a high-performing, values-driven culture.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Payroll Operations

• Accurately process bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll for multiple employee groups, including salaried, hourly, and salary non-exempt employees.
• Ensure pay calculations are correct by verifying timecards, deductions, tax codes, and benefit contributions.
• Manage payroll-related inquiries and provide timely, professional support to employees and managers, with a focus on service excellence, education and trust-building.
• Identify and implement opportunities for automation, error reduction, and streamlined processes to reduce manual processes and support scalability.
  
  

Timekeeping & Scheduling Compliance

• Oversee timekeeping systems and processes, ensuring timely and accurate capture of hours worked, PTO, and other pay elements.
• Train and support supervisors in time entry best practices; monitor for anomalies such as missing punches or unapproved time.

Systems & Data Management

• Serve as the primary administrator for payroll and timekeeping configurations and workflow within ADP, including setup, testing, and updates.
• Maintain accurate employee records and pay data, ensuring consistency across payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and benefits platforms.
• Lead system audits and integration initiatives to improve reliability, reduce redundancy, and enhance data integrity.

Reporting & Analytics

• Build and maintain recurring and ad hoc reports using ADP reporting tools and advanced Excel functions (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, formulas).
• Analyze payroll and workforce data to identify trends in headcount, labor costs, overtime and PTO utilization.
• Partner with leaders to support strategic planning, budget forecasting, and compensation modeling.
• Identify opportunities to automate reporting, visualize data more effectively, and reduce manual reporting burden.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including multi-state and Washington-specific regulations.
• Prepare and support W-2 processing, ACA reporting, and retirement plan audits.
• Maintain and document payroll procedures and internal controls to support audit readiness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with People & Culture, Legal, and Finance to ensure payroll and benefits align with policies, budgets, and organizational goals.
• Collaborate with department leaders on payroll implications scheduling, time tracking, and compensation changes.
• Proactively identify gaps, propose scalable solutions, and lead or support change management and training efforts.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated expertise in payroll operations, including multi-cycle payroll processing and payroll system administration.
• Strong understanding of employment law, and payroll regulations.
• Advanced Excel skills including ability to build and manage complex spreadsheets, use pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and familiarity with data validation or reporting tools.
• Experience using ADP Workforce Now preferred; candidates with related platform experience and aptitude to learn quickly are encouraged to apply.
• Proven ability to solve problems, adapt to change, and deliver results in fast-paced environments.
• High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement and identify operational efficiencies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder partnership skills.
• Curiosity and interest in emerging technologies - including AI applications in HR or payroll.
• Alignment with the organization’s values, and mission to create moments, enrich lives and unify and uplift through soccer, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This role requires regular in-person work at our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton, WA as part of a hybrid work arrangement.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship

 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS 

We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people by providing the following top-notch benefits.  

The expected annual salary range for this position is $85,000 – $105,000. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes: 

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored premiums for you and your dependents. 

• Generous and Flexible PTO: Our Paid Time Off plan is designed with your well-being in mind, offering unlimited paid vacation. 

• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease. 

• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12-16 weeks of paid leave, giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage. 

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand. 

• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources. 

• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community. 

 

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the People & Culture Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

 

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