Jobs and Careers

Driver Payroll Process Improvement Project Manager

United States - Remote, United StatesRemotefull_timeVerifiedPosted 3 Mar 2026

About the role

Position Summary
The Payroll Process Improvement Project Manager is responsible for leading enterprise-wide initiatives to enhance accuracy, strengthen compliance, and improve the driver compensation experience across a multi-state trucking operation.

This role serves as a cross-functional project leader partnering with Payroll, Operations, HR, Finance, and IT to streamline processes, reduce payroll disputes, mitigate regulatory risk, and support driver retention.

The position operates as a transformation and optimization leader rather than a transactional payroll processor.

Strategic Impact of the Role
Accurate, timely, and transparent payroll is critical in the trucking industry, where compensation trust directly influences driver retention and operational stability. This role ensures payroll functions as both a compliance safeguard and a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining drivers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Payroll Process Optimization

Conduct comprehensive assessments of end-to-end payroll workflows, including load settlement, driver pay calculation, payroll processing, and reporting.
Identify process inefficiencies, control gaps, and error trends.
Develop and implement standardized payroll procedures and documentation.
Improve integration between Transportation Management Systems (TMS), ELD platforms, fuel systems, and payroll systems.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce manual processes and enhance automation.

Driver Experience & Retention Support

Analyze payroll-related driver disputes and identify root causes.
Implement improvements to enhance pay transparency and accuracy.
Partner with Operations to ensure timely and accurate submission of pay inputs (mileage, detention, layover, accessorial pay, bonuses).
Develop driver-facing educational tools to clarify compensation structures.
Establish measurable improvements in payroll accuracy and resolution timelines.

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with federal and multi-state wage and hour laws.
Review and validate proper handling of per diem programs and contractor classifications.
Strengthen internal controls to mitigate wage claim exposure.
Support internal and external payroll audits.
Collaborate with Legal and Finance on payroll-related risk assessments.

Data, Reporting & Analytics

Develop payroll performance metrics and dashboards, including:
- Payroll error rates
- Dispute volume and resolution time
- Labor cost per mile
- Overtime trends
Provide actionable insights to leadership regarding payroll cost drivers and retention impact.
Support financial forecasting and labor budgeting processes.

Project Management & Change Leadership

Lead cross-functional payroll improvement projects from planning through implementation.
Develop project timelines, milestones, and communication plans.
Facilitate stakeholder meetings and executive updates.
Coordinate system testing (UAT) and implementation rollouts.
Ensure adoption of new processes through training and change management strategies.

Qualifications
Education & Experience