Payroll Manager

Location: Redlands, CA (Onsite)

Salary Range: $104,520 – $168,480

Relocation assistance is available if needed.

Esri is the global leader in geographic information system (GIS) technology, helping organizations across industries unlock the power of location intelligence. With a commitment to innovation, it provides cutting‑edge mapping and spatial analytics solutions that drive smarter decision‑making and operational efficiency. Serving clients in government, commercial, and non‑profit sectors, the company empowers users to visualize, analyze, and interpret data to solve real‑world problems.

Esri is hiring a Payroll Manager to lead day‑to‑day US domestic payroll operations onsite in Redlands, CA. This role is critical to keeping payroll accurate, timely, and running smoothly for a large, multi‑state employee population.

You’ll manage an experienced payroll team, act as the onsite leader and problem‑solver, and partner closely with a highly tenured Senior Payroll Manager who is fully remote. The systems and processes are already in place. This role is about operational ownership, team leadership, and continuous improvement, not rebuilding payroll from scratch.

• Oversee the end‑to‑end processing of high‑volume, multi‑state US payroll for 2,000+ employees
• Manage and support a team of 5–6 payroll professionals, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and on‑time delivery
• Serve as the onsite payroll leader, removing obstacles, answering complex questions, and ensuring issues are resolved quickly
• Partner with HR, Finance, Accounting, and leadership to ensure payroll compliance and smooth handoffs
• Monitor payroll data for accuracy by reviewing reports, investigating variances, and validating results month over month
• Support payroll system operations and enhancements, including testing, integrations, and process refinements
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations across multiple states
• Lead and support change management efforts, including new processes, policy updates, and system improvements
• Provide coaching, training, and guidance to the payroll team, including support with performance improvement when needed
• Maintain confidentiality and data integrity across all payroll activities

• 12+ years of payroll experience, including high‑volume payroll supporting 2,000+ employees
• 3+ years of people management experience with the ability to coach, develop, and support a payroll team
• Proven experience managing multi‑state US payroll and navigating complex compliance requirements
• Hands‑on experience with large payroll or HCM systems such as Dayforce, ADP, Workday, or UKG
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, including Excel
• Experience supporting payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance reviews
• Strong knowledge of US payroll laws and regulations
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
• CA Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a plus
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations or major process changes is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, human resources, or related field required