Payroll Tech Lead

In the Technology division, we leverage innovation to build the connections and capabilities that power our Firm, enabling our clients and colleagues to redefine markets and shape the future of our communities. This is a Payroll Tech Lead position at a Vice President level, which is part of the job family responsible for overseeing and leading the execution of multiple projects and/or programs, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with business objectives. Includes program management and related project support roles.

Morgan Stanley is an industry leader in financial services, known for mobilizing capital to help governments, corporations, institutions, and individuals around the world achieve their financial goals.

Interested in joining a team that’s eager to create, innovate and make an impact on the world? Read on.

We are seeking an experienced Technology Payroll Lead with strong knowledge of payroll technologies and experience supporting operational processes. This role plays a critical technical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of our payroll systems, while serving as a bridge between the technical and operational sides of the department.

The Technology Payroll Lead will oversee the technical delivery of payroll technology services, ensuring solutions are delivered efficiently, reliably, and to a consistently high standard. This individual will also act as the primary regional technology contact for payroll system issues, enhancements, escalations, and operational priorities.

What you’ll do in the role:

• Technical Leadership: Provide expertise in the design, integration, and optimization of payroll systems. Experience in leading a team to support these activities, delivering to a high standard
• Project Management: Lead payroll-related technical projects from conception to completion - managing timelines, integration, testing, and resourcing
• Collaboration: Work closely with HR, Finance, and IT departments to ensure seamless payroll processing and integration with other systems
• Vendor Management: Ability to collaborate with external vendors during project implementation or ongoing support
• Continuous Improvement: Evaluate current payroll systems, identify inefficiencies, and recommend technological solutions or upgrades - including use of AI and Automation
• Communication & Stakeholder management: Strong communication skills, with ability to explain complex and/or payroll-related topics to a range of audiences.
• Problem Solving: Should possess strong analytical skills. Able to address technical issues, ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption to payroll operations
• Risk Management: Awareness of risk, and handling of highly sensitive data, security best practices, data privacy considerations and audit accountability.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field
• 8-10 years of experience in payroll system management and operations
• Experience with Payroll and HRIS Systems (such as Workday or equivalent)
• Proven ability to lead technical projects, manage competing priorities, and coordinate delivery across multiple teams and stakeholders
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills, with the ability to operate effectively in time-sensitive payroll environments.
• Experience managing production incidents & remediation, system enhancements, and system integration
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Preferred skills:

• Experience with SAP or ADP GlobalView
• Experience with: ADP solutions (GlobalView, Celergo, eTime/Kronos, Workforce Manager), Automation Tools such as: Alteryx, UI Path, etc.
• Knowledge of software delivery lifecycle practices, including Agile delivery, Jira, requirements management, testing governance, release management, and change control.
• Experience working in a global organization with dis