Role Overview

The Senior Supplier Strategy Manager accomplishes results through the management of professional teams and departments, integrating deep subject matter expertise in payroll modernization, vendor governance, and HR technology — particularly within the Workday ecosystem — within a defined area of accountability.

The ideal candidate contributes to enterprise-wide standards and operating models that others will leverage at scale, requiring an in-depth understanding of how payroll functions collectively integrate across the sub-functions. This leader brings demonstrated experience in payroll migrations and system modernization, with the ability to manage complex, multi-geography programs from strategy through delivery.

Developed communication and diplomacy skills are essential to guide, influence, and convince senior stakeholders, cross-functional partners, and external suppliers. The role demands strong change management capabilities to lead organizations through transformation effectively. Full management responsibility includes performance evaluation, compensation decisions, hiring, disciplinary actions, resource planning, and budget oversight. Candidates who leverage AI productivity tools to accelerate team output and improve operational efficiency are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manages one or more teams, setting strategic direction and ensuring accountability for team performance across transformation programs.
• Advises senior management on the performance of assigned payroll areas, providing data-driven insight, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations grounded in operational analysis.
• Leads payroll migration and modernization initiatives including system transitions, data migration, and cutover planning — managing end-to-end program delivery from discovery through hypercare.
• Defines and drives vendor strategy and governance frameworks, including RFP management, contract negotiations, and establishing strategic supplier relationships.
• Authors and oversees the development of Business Requirements Documents (BRDs) and EPICs, translating business needs into actionable technical specifications and user stories for Workday and adjacent payroll platforms.
• Develops and executes change management strategies to support workforce adoption of new payroll systems, processes, and operating models — including stakeholder engagement plans, training design, and communication frameworks.
• Partners with businesses and cross-functional teams to identify issues and required business specifications.
• Identifies, tracks, and remediates operational risks; champions continuous process improvement initiatives using lean or structured methodology to eliminate waste, reduce error rates, and enhance accuracy.
• Manages the documentation of policies and/or procedures, ensuring standards are current, accessible, and compliant with internal governance requirements and applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Assesses and monitors reasonableness of data across payroll outputs, identifies discrepancies, performs root-cause analysis, and drives resolution of complex systemic issues.
• Directs program and project management across transformation workstreams — assigning deliverables, managing timelines, escalating blockers, and reporting program health to executive sponsors and governance forums.
• Champions the adoption of AI productivity tools and emerging automation capabilities within the payroll function to enhance team throughput, reduce manual intervention, and build a future-ready operating model.
• Evaluates subordinates' performance and makes recommendations for pay increases, hiring, terminations, and other personnel actions; provides coaching and developmental support to build the next generation of payroll leaders.
• Directs area supported through shared responsibility for budget management and resource planning; accountable for volume, quality, timeliness, and delivery of end results across the function.
• Serves as a representative and consultant on external project and meeting calls, ensuring Citi's interests are protected and strategic commitments to partners are upheld.
• Appropriately assesses risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets — by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment, and escalating, managing, and reporting control issues with transparency.

Required:

• 6–10 years of progressive experience in a related role, with commensurate people management experience in a global or large-scale enterprise environment.
• Proven