Position Summary: Lead HCM Consultant

We are seeking a Lead HCM Consultant to lead new client onboarding for our Managed Payroll services. This is a full-time, remote position. This role ensures new client engagements are set up for long-term success. This role is responsible for creating exceptional first impressions while ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each client's payroll environment, business processes, compliance requirements, and payroll operational nuances. This position works closely in collaboration with internal project teams, including Managed Payroll and HR, to drive alignment, ensure timelines are met, and deliver a high-quality client experience. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, combines strong payroll expertise, operational acumen, and consultative skills to influence both clients and internal managed payroll teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads discovery, process assessment, documentation, configuration guidance, and transition planning to ensure clients are successfully onboarded and positioned for long-term success. Identifies opportunities for process improvement, compliance enhancements, operational efficiencies, and payroll best practices.

• Lead client payroll intake (discovery) sessions to gather requirements and document current-state processes including client payroll operations, workflows, policies, and procedures.

• Act as a strategic advisor to clients on payroll leading practices, compliance, and process efficiency

• Summarize findings and present recommendations to internal Managed Payroll teams

• Manage end-to-end payroll transition activities, ensuring smooth onboarding and timely delivery

• Educate clients on managed payroll service models, roles/responsibilities, and optimal operating structures

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Managed Payroll, HR, project teams) to align on timelines, resources, and deliverables

• Create and maintain payroll calendars and payroll trackers for each client

• Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and improve client payroll processes

• Provide proactive recommendations on risk mitigation, controls, and governance

• Set up and manage SharePoint access and collaboration tools for all stakeholders

• Conduct payroll shadowing sessions (observe, process, and prepare for handoff)

• Ensure successful knowledge transfer and transition to Managed Payroll after onboarding including post-go-live stabilization activities as needed.

• Ensure clients experience a smooth and seamless handoff into long-term service delivery.

• Serve as the primary point of contact during onboarding

• Present and guide clients on standard tools and communication methods

• Provide ad hoc payroll consulting support, including temporary payroll processing

• Develop Managed Payroll Standard Operating Procedures

• Manage multiple client transitions simultaneously while maintaining quality and deadlines

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across intake and managed payroll processes

• Identify additional opportunities in which HCM Unlocked can provide value within the HCM operation for the client.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• 5+ years of experience in payroll operations, implementations, or managed payroll services

• Strong ability to manage multiple projects and priorities

• Experience working in cross-functional, collaborative environments

• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills

• Strong attention to detail and process-driven mindset

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting payroll transitions or implementations

• Familiarity with SharePoint, ZOHO or similar collaboration tools

• Knowledge of multi-vendor payroll and HR systems

• Experience creating SOPs and process documentation

• Consulting or client-facing advisory experience

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $85,000-$95,000 per year. This range is based on relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and market data, and represents our good faith estimate at the time of posting. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, and life), voluntary benefits, pet insurance, retirement plan, and PTO.

Why Join Us:

• Opportunity to work on high-impact client transitions

• Collaborative and team-oriented environment

• Exposure to diverse payroll processes and systems

• Flexible, fast-paced role with autonomy

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace:

HCM Unlocked is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination of any kind. We value and respect the unique differences of our employees, recognizing that diversity fosters innovation, drives curiosity, and contributes to the overall success of our organization.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws or regulations.? HCM Unlocked is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities.

HCM Unlocked participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.