Product Manager

The client seeks a Payroll Product Manager to support strategy, planning, and execution for Payroll and Absence Management within its payroll system. The Product Manager will drive initiatives from requirements definition through delivery, ensuring alignment with the client's policies, compliance standards, and operational needs across all locations. This role requires a senior product leader who can quickly assess the current environment, collaborate with stakeholders, and deliver measurable outcomes.

Scope of Work / Responsibilities
· Own and define the product vision and strategy for Payroll and Absence Management, ensuring alignment with the client's mission, compliance obligations, and evolving business/user needs
· Lead the payroll system roadmap definition and execution for Payroll and Absence Management
· Partner with operations teams, IT, business leaders, and locations to define and prioritize initiatives
· Gather, document, and validate business requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria
· Oversee development, testing, and deployment of product features and enhancements in collaboration with IT and business teams
· Lead change management efforts, including stakeholder communications, training coordination, and adoption support
· Ensure solutions comply with client policies, regulatory requirements, and union agreements
· Develop clear documentation, recommendations, and transition materials to support long-term product sustainability beyond the contract
· Provide regular updates to leadership on progress, risks, and outcomes

Required Skills & Experience
· 7+ years of product management experience (Payroll, HR, or Benefits systems)
· Proven success leading payroll or HR technology initiatives in large, complex, or shared-services environments
· Strong project management and organizational skills, with experience balancing multiple priorities under tight deadlines
· Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills; ability to work with both technical and non-technical teams
· Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; able to evaluate trade-offs and make data-driven recommendations
· Familiarity with product development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall)
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Strongly Preferred Qualifications
· Expert knowledge of PeopleSoft HCM, Payroll and Absence management modules
· Working knowledge of payroll regulations, workforce administration, and union agreements
· Prior consulting, contract, or interim leadership experience