Manager, Onboarding & Payroll Operations

The Workforce Operations Manager- Onboarding & Payroll Management will work closely with the Sr. Manager to oversee temporary staff onboarding and payroll for all staff working on a variety of hospitality programs, in support of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The role involves managing a team of Onboard and Payroll Specialists, overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring all staff are hired compliantly across each country.  The Manager will work concurrently with the Recruitment Operations Manager to ensure all workforce teams in key host cities are in place and ready to work for the event.  

The ideal candidate will have a strong focus on collaboration, leadership, and operational excellence while building a high-performing city-level workforce. This role requires close partnership with HR, Immigration and Legal, and various stakeholders to meet staffing needs across all workforce functions. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Onboarding Management: 

• Manage the full onboarding process, from pre-employment through the final payroll and offboarding, ensuring all hires are properly inducted, equipped and operationally ready for tournament time. 

• Coordinate with hiring managers and Recruitment Operations Manager to ensure all hires have received appropriate information regarding training, scheduling, and necessary tools to begin their roles according to appropriate start dates. 

• Collaborate with the wider Workforce Operations Team to maintain consistent onboarding practices while adapting to the specific needs of the local workforce. 

• Create and implement appropriate onboarding pathways and plans for various levels, roles and functional areas. 

• Identify potential barriers that would prohibit a new hire from completing onboarding, and proactively design solutions for all staff to complete onboarding successfully.  

• Collaborate with the Senior Manager, Director, HR, and city based Functional Area (FA) Leads to ensure that all staff engaged, fully onboarded and contracted 

• Support the implementation of tools and systems that will support onboarding and payroll management across all roles. 

• Ensure Workforce Operations’ tools are updated and being used consistently across FAs, providing regular status update reports. 

Payroll Management:  

• Oversee and manage end to end payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely processing of staff wages, bonuses and per diem. 

• Review and ensure all timesheets and other payroll-related information is accurate before payroll is processed. 

• Ensure all payment management tools and systems are functioning properly to fully utilize the capabilities, creating smooth and efficient workflows. 

• Ensure all payroll processes comply with all relevant federal, state and province regulations, including appropriate overtime laws and break regulations. 

• Work with local agencies (as needed), FA Leads and HR to manage staff timesheets and contract compliance. 

• Prepare any necessary reports to internal stakeholders and finance and collaborate on any necessary budget planning and reconciliation. 

• Manage and resolve any payroll and invoice discrepancies or errors in a timely and professional manner. 

Workforce engagement and retention: 

• Manage a team of Onboard Specialist daily, ensuring consistent best practices and processes are being followed, maintaining compliancy across all roles. 

• Implement workforce engagement strategy, with workforce experience as a focus. 

• Support FAs with workforce onboarding and on-site management, ensuring consistency in communication and engagement pre, during and post Tournament. 

• Build excitement around Host City and operations, sharing best practice/ideas with wider Workforce Operations team. 

• Track and measure event performance, manage post-event evaluations, and contribute to workforce process improvements. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, or related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience. 

• Previous experience in human resources, staffing operations, workforce management, or large-scale event operations. 

• Experience working with HRIS, payroll software or other related tools is preferred. 

• 5-8 years’ experience in HR and payroll management, with strong experience leading a team 

Skills & Abilities: 

• High level of professionalism and integrity 

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, particularly around payroll processing timelines. 

• Proactive and solution-orientated, with an ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively at all levels. 

• Strong understanding of payroll regulations and employment law 

• Familiarity with data analytics related to staff scheduling and operational performance. 

• Team player with a flexible and positive attitude 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be flexible with work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 

• Domestic travel will be required, with an estimated travel range of 10-15% annually.