Project Manager, Payroll and Benefits

Job Locations

US-AR-Bentonville

Position:Project Manager, Payroll, Benefits & Strategic Initiatives
Department: People
Reporting to: Director, People
Location:Bentonville, AR; Washington, D.C.; Denver, CO

Walton Enterprises is seeking a skilled, initiative-taking and entrepreneurial individual to join the team as a Project Manager, Payroll, Benefits & Strategic Initiatives. The ideal teammate will have the demonstrated ability to lead and possess strong project management experience, HR operational acumen, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement across a complex, multi-entity environment.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
We believe every associate should have access to success. Creating an environment centered on trust, respect, and bringing people together is critical to this belief.
Our aspirations are as follows:
- Create an environment where we hire, retain and bring to the table people with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints and lived experiences to create a more successful organization.
- Ensure fairness, equity and access to success for all our associates.
- Create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, safe, able to engage honestly.

About the Position
You'll join a top-notch team and lead cross-functional HR initiatives with a focus on payroll and benefits operations, compliance, systems integration, and organizational efficiency.

What you will do
Responsibilities
- Strategic HR Project Management
- Lead cross-functional HR projects and programs of high impact and sensitivity, spanning compensation, payroll, benefits, policy development, and compliance.
- Translate organizational goals into project plans with clearly defined scopes, timelines, deliverables, and success metrics.
- Design scalable, flexible solutions that integrate across HR functions and support strategic priorities.
- Deliver regular progress reports, stakeholder presentations, and documentation on program status.
- Payroll and Benefits Oversight
- Oversee bi-weekly payroll operations across multiple entities using UKG, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Manage complex payroll functions, including multi-state taxation, retroactive pay, gross-ups, and special compensation scenarios.
- Collaborate with Finance and Accounting on reconciliations, journal entries, and audit trails.
- Support the Sr. Manager of Benefits and Payroll in evaluating and implementing benefit plans and compliance protocols
- Process Optimization and Compliance
- Monitor and audit processes for payroll, benefits, and timekeeping; lead updates in line with new legislation and internal controls.
- Create and maintain SOPs for People Team functions; recommend enhancements based on data and stakeholder feedback.
- Lead responses to audits and regulatory inquiries related to tax, payroll, or benefits administration.
- Vendor and Stakeholder Management
- Manage relationships with payroll, tax, and benefits vendors-overseeing contracts, renewals, onboarding, and performance.
- Serve as the People Team liaison to Legal, Compliance, and Finance for contracts, system upgrades, and documentation workflows.
- Partner with business units and senior stakeholders to align project outcomes with organizational objectives.

Who we are looking for
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive project management experience in HR, including payroll and benefits.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across locations and business units.
- Expertise in UKG systems (pro, payroll and tax, Workforce Management, benefits administration), and HRIS/payroll administration in a multi-entity, multi-state environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; ability to create and present detailed reports, spreadsheets, and visuals.

Preferred Qualifications
- Structured Project Management training and/or certification (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma).
- Experience with philanthropic, family office, or multi-entity organizational structures.
- Background in HR policy development, compliance audits, and strategic planning.

Personal attributes that support your success
- Ability to act as a trusted advisor to principals and colleagues, exercising discretion, and demonstrating expertise and integrity
- You are helpful, a team player, and show respect while collaborating with others to succeed together
- A lifelong learner, who is inquisitive and solves problems with bold thinking and innovation

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

Benefits Information*
Compensation Range : $114,000.00-$143,000.00

Benefits Information: We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan and paid time off.

This position is anticipated to be open for applications through July 31, 2025

About the People Department
The People Team provides a suite of services including recruiting, payroll processing, benefits administration, training, and development. The team serves as trusted advisors and oversees several initiatives including diversity, equity, and inclusion. The People Team is committed to creating an environment in which every associate thrives.

About Walton Enterprises
Walton Enterprises supports the personal, philanthropic and business activity for the Walton family. We are a family-led organization, supporting multiple generations of Sam & Helen Walton's family.

Walton Enterprises is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.