Director of Payroll & HRIS (UKG)

 Tampa, FL | Full-Time | Exempt | $115,000-$130,000 + Outstanding Benefits

Lead Payroll Strategy for a Rapidly Growing Organization

Are you a payroll and HRIS leader with deep UKG expertise and experience supporting complex, multi-state organizations? Rocket Youth is looking for a strategic leader to oversee enterprise payroll operations while driving the continued evolution of our UKG platform across a fast-growing, acquisition-driven organization.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape payroll strategy, optimize HR technology, and partner with executive leadership to support a company experiencing significant nationwide growth.

Why Join Rocket Youth?

Rocket Youth operates youth sports, enrichment, and after-school programs across the country and continues to expand through both acquisitions and organic growth. With 10-15 acquisitions annually, you'll play a key role in integrating new businesses while building scalable payroll and HR technology solutions.

What We Offer

Competitive salary: $115,000-$130,000

401(k) with company benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Life & Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

Professional development and career growth

Opportunity to influence enterprise-wide strategy

What You'll Do

As the Director of Payroll & HRIS, you'll lead payroll operations and serve as the enterprise owner of the UKG platform.

Your responsibilities include:

Payroll Leadership

• Lead payroll operations across multiple states and business entities
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Develop payroll policies, controls, and best practices
• Oversee payroll audits, reporting, and data integrity

HRIS & UKG Leadership

• Serve as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for UKG
• Drive system optimization, automation, and process improvements
• Manage system configurations, upgrades, testing, and enhancements
• Develop dashboards, reporting, and workforce analytics
• Improve user experience through scalable HR technology solutions

Growth & Acquisition Integration

• Lead payroll and HRIS integration for newly acquired companies
• Standardize payroll processes across multiple brands
• Support organizational scalability through technology and operational improvements
• Ensure seamless onboarding of acquisitions into enterprise systems

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with HR, Finance, IT, Operations, and Executive Leadership
• Develop standard operating procedures and training documentation
• Lead and mentor payroll and HRIS team members
• Deliver executive reporting, KPIs, and workforce analytics that support strategic decision-making

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive payroll and HRIS leadership experience
• 5+ years of advanced UKG experience
• Experience managing multi-state, multi-entity payroll operations
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and compliance requirements
• Experience supporting high-growth or acquisition-driven organizations
• Strong analytical, leadership, and process improvement skills
• Excellent communication and executive stakeholder management experience

Preferred Qualifications

• UKG implementation, optimization, or system transformation experience
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• Experience in private equity-backed organizations
• Experience supporting multi-brand or decentralized organizations

Why You'll Love Working Here

Rocket Youth is transforming the youth enrichment industry through innovation and strategic growth. In this highly visible leadership role, you'll help build scalable payroll and HR technology solutions that support thousands of employees across a growing portfolio of businesses.

If you're passionate about payroll excellence, HR technology, continuous improvement, and leading enterprise-wide initiatives, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Apply Today!

Join Rocket Youth and help shape the future of payroll operations and HR technology for one of the fastest-growing organizations in youth sports and enrichment.

Rocket Youth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants.