Senior Director, HR Technology & Payroll

Exciting Opportunity to Join Our Legacy of Environmental Leadership!

Location: Corporate Office - Indianapolis, Indiana

About Us: At Arcwood Environmental, we are more than just a company; we are pioneers in industrial waste management, committed to creating a cleaner, safer world. Since our inception during the environmental movement of the 1970s, we've been at the forefront of solving complex environmental challenges. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana with a dedicated team of 2,000+ employees spread across the United States, we provide innovative and compliant solutions to thousands of clients in diverse industries.

Why Arcwood?

• Impactful Work: Be part of a team that makes a real difference. Our comprehensive services range from hazardous waste management and emergency response to onsite support and technical solutions, allow us to solve our customers' waste challenges. We are part of the solution. We don't generate any waste ourselves.
• Growth Opportunities: At Arcwood, your contribution is valued beyond your job title. We believe in the power of continuous learning and growth, encouraging every employee to expand their skills and take on new challenges.
• Safety First: Your health and safety are our top priorities. We foster a culture where every employee is empowered to act safely and ensure the well-being of their colleagues. Our mantra is Safe and Compliant, Always.
• Collaborative Environment: Together we can achieve much more. Join a supportive and dynamic team where your ideas and efforts are recognized and rewarded.

Our Commitment: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace where every employee can thrive. As part of our team, you will have the freedom to contribute your expertise wherever needed, ensuring the success of our mission to protect the environment.

Our Vision: Our vision is to be the most trusted partner in the environmental services industry. We put our customers first and deliver agile, sustainable, and innovative solutions. We commit to nurturing top talent and creating lasting value for our customers, shareholders, communities, and the planet.

Our Ownership: Arcwood Environmental is backed by the EQT Infrastructure VI fund, enhancing our capabilities, and expanding our reach. EQT is a dynamic global investment powerhouse managing EUR 232 billion in assets (EUR 128 billion fee-generating). With a focus on Private Capital and Real Assets, EQT owns and supports leading companies across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas, fostering sustainable growth, operational excellence, and market leadership. This exciting ownership positions us for continued impacts and growth in the future.

Senior Director, HR Technology & Payroll
The Senior Director, HR Technology & Payroll will provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction for Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and payroll operations across the enterprise. This role is pivotal in driving digital transformation, optimizing people systems and payroll processes, and elevating the employee experience-with a focus on the UKG platform.

This leader will architect and execute a long-term HR technology roadmap that aligns with organizational growth objectives, ensures compliance and data security, and delivers scalable, data-driven solutions. A hands-on approach to enhancing reporting via business intelligence (BI) tools and coding (e.g., SQL, Python) is key, as is fostering an AI-enabled mindset to simplify processes and improve usability of HR systems.

Essential Functions & Requirements:

Strategic Leadership & System Architecture

• Leads the planning and lifecycle management of HR technology systems (e.g., UKG), including upgrades, enhancements, and systems integrations across platforms
• Designs and continuously refines a scalable HR/payroll systems roadmap aligned with business needs and organizational growth
• Develops rigorous performance testing protocols to ensure system reliability and business continuity
• Partners with senior leadership to align HR/payroll systems with enterprise strategy and key performance indicators (KPIs)

Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Oversees payroll operations with a focus on accuracy, compliance, security, and automation, ensuring timely processing while proactively identifying and mitigating system risks
• Maintains strong governance and audit frameworks tailored for a private equity backed environment
• Monitors regulatory changes and provides proactive compliance guidance to executive leadership

Data Intelligence & Reporting

• Leads data governance and workforce analytics efforts, establishing robust data management practices and security protocols
• Delivers actionable insights through advanced dashboard, predictive analysis, and dynamic reporting tools
• Enhances systems reporting and automation using business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and coding/scripting languages (e.g., SQL, Python)

Digital Experience & Process Optimization

• Promotes an AI-enabled mindset to simplify processes, evaluate self-service capabilities and improve HR systems usability
• Champions continuous improvement efforts, streamlining workflows and reducing manual HR/payroll interventions
• Integrates and scales the iCIMS applicant tracking system (ATS) to optimize automation, recruiting efficiency, and analytics

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Change Enablement

• Leads vendor management, including contract negotiations and SLA performance oversight
• Collaborates with IT, Finance, Benefits, and Compliance to ensure seamless data flow and cross-functional system integration
• Drives training, communication, and change management initiatives to boost user adoption and maximize platform ROI
• Provides coaching, mentorship, and performance management to team members, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, information technology, business administration, or related field (required)
• Master's degree (preferred)

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in HR technology and payroll, preferably in high-growth or private equity-backed environments (required)
• Extensive experience working with UKG and other HRIS platforms (required)
• Demonstrated success driving large-scale HR/payroll system transformations (required)
• Proven experience implementing BI tools and writing scripts/code to enhance automation and reporting (required)
• Demonstrated experience leading high-performing teams and cross-functional projects (required)

Critical Success Factors:
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Payroll accuracy and timeliness
• System uptime/performance metrics
• Reduction in manual HR/payroll processes
• Time-to-resolution for payroll and/or system issues
• User adoption rates of HRIS self-service tools
• Employee satisfaction with HR/payroll tools
• Data accuracy and audit compliance rates
• Project delivery timelines and budget adherence

Competencies:

• Deep understanding of payroll laws, data privacy regulations, and HR best practices with a strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
• Strong executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to influence and lead through change
• Proven ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and inspire performance
• Exceptional ability to manage competing priorities and complex system landscapes
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate challenges into actionable solutions
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead transformational initiatives and drive enterprise adoption
• Strong skillset in building partnerships across HR, IT and the business; influential at all levels of the organization
• Ability to write code, build automation scripts, and apply business intelligence tools to support data-driven decisions
• Commitment to proactively seeking opportunities to incorporate AI, machine learning, and automation to enhance HR service delivery and user experience
• Regular and predictable attendance to perform the functions and requirements of this role

Benefits, Compensation, & Workforce Diversity:
Arcwood offers competitive pay and bonus incentives. Benefits include choice of medical, dental, and vision plans, flexible spending or health savings accounts, employee and dependent life insurance, short and long-term disability, 401(k) savings plan with company match, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans & Disabilities

A post-offer drug screen and background check will be required.