What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior HR & Payroll Process Specialist (UKG SME) position at Straive?
Straive is a global leader in enterprise-grade data analytics and AI solutions, committed to empowering businesses across various industries with cutting-edge technology and expert insights. Backed by EQT, a top private equity firm, we are uniquely positioned to drive innovation through significant investments and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Our core focus is on delivering advanced Data Analytics & AI Solutions. By combining sophisticated technology with subject matter expertise, we deliver material impact on our clients' topline and streamline their operations. We specialize in providing tailored solutions across financial services, CPG, legal, pharma, life sciences, retail and logistics, helping them build robust data analytics and AI capabilities.
With a client base spanning 30 countries, Straive's strategically located teams operate from eight countries and is headquartered in Singapore. This global presence enables us to offer localized expertise with a worldwide perspective.
Join Straive to be part of a dynamic team at the forefront of data analytics and AI innovation. Here, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to transformative projects, supported by significant investments and an entrepreneurial drive fueled by our partnership with EQT.
Website: https://www.straive.com/
Job Title: Senior HR & Payroll Process Specialist (UKG SME)
Experience Level: 10 – 12 years in HR & Payroll
Location: New Jersey
Job Type: Contract
About the Role:
We are looking for a seasoned professional to serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) during a high-stakes blueprinting exercise. You will be responsible for evaluating the client’s current state and designing a best-in-class "To-Be" payroll process and architecture.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Blueprinting & Solution Design
● Lead the payroll workstream during the enterprise blueprinting phase to define global/local payroll requirements.
● Conduct gap analysis between "As-Is" processes and "To-Be" possibilities within the UKG ecosystem.
● Translate complex business needs into functional specifications for the technical configuration team.
2. Process Redesign & Optimization
● Critically evaluate existing payroll workflows to identify inefficiencies, risks, and manual bottlenecks.
● Architect a standardized, scalable "To-Be" payroll process that aligns with industry best practices and compliance standards.
● Ensure seamless integration touchpoints between HR, Benefits, Time & Attendance, and Finance modules.
● Create comprehensive process documentation, including data flow diagrams and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
3. UKG Platform Leadership
● Act as the primary technical SME for the UKG platform (Pro/Ready), ensuring the system is leveraged to its full capability.
● Guide the team on UKG-specific features such as complex pay rules, tax engine configurations, and reporting analytics.
● Advise on data migration strategies and data integrity audits within the UKG environment.
Qualifications Required Skills & Experience:
1. Experience: 10–12 years of progressive HR experience with a heavy emphasis on end-to-end payroll management.
2. System Expertise: Expert-level proficiency in the UKG platform is mandatory.
3. Process Engineering: Proven track record of redesigning payroll processes as part of a large-scale digital transformation.
4. Strategic Thinking: Ability to move beyond "how we do it today" to envision "how we should do it tomorrow."
5. Compliance Knowledge: Deep understanding of payroll tax laws, labor regulations, and audit requirements.
6. Communication: Exceptional ability to explain technical payroll concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities, duties, or activities that are required. Responsibilities, duties, and/or activities may change, or new ones may be added at any time with or without notice.
If you are a motivated professional with a passion for delivering impactful solutions, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team at Straive.
“Straive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.
We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.”