Director, Engineering - HR & Payroll Systems

Company Description

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

Job Description

The Director of Engineering, HR & Payroll Systems leads the technical delivery, support, and continuous improvement of Versant Media’s HR and Payroll systems, including SAP HCM, SuccessFactors, and related non-ERP applications. This role will ensure stability of the HR and Payroll technology landscape during the company’s transition to a standalone environment while preparing for future modernization opportunities as the business evolves. The ideal candidate will foster a technology-agnostic mindset, guiding the evolution of HR and Payroll systems in a way that maximizes business value, regardless of vendor or platform. This leader will collaborate closely with engineering peers, enterprise product teams, and business stakeholders to align solutions and roadmaps with strategic priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Lead engineering delivery and support for all HR and payroll systems, including SAP HCM, timekeeping, and related non-ERP applications, ensuring reliability and scalability
• Ensure system stability and performance during the company’s transition to a standalone environment, with a focus on risk mitigation, data integrity, and compliance
• Oversee solution design and architecture, driving alignment with business objectives and ensuring that systems are optimized for current and future needs
• Lead and develop engineering teams and manage vendor partners, balancing hands-on technical leadership with effective people management
• Collaborate with enterprise product management and HR business stakeholders to align technology roadmaps with strategic priorities, influencing outcomes across HR, Payroll, and Timekeeping functions
• Establish and maintain best practices for system design, testing, release management, and operational support, fostering a culture of engineering excellence
• Evaluate emerging technologies and platforms, ensuring HR and payroll systems can evolve in line with business needs while remaining cost-effective, secure, and compliant
• Prepare and deliver clear communications to leadership regarding program status, risks, and recommendations for achieving measurable business value
• Contribute to planning and execution of future system transformations, including potential migration from SAP HCM to cloud-based HCM platforms as business priorities dictate

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• 10+ years of ERP HR and payroll systems experience, with at least 5+ years in engineering or technical leadership roles; deep SAP HCM experience is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive experience leading engineering teams responsible for HR, payroll, and timekeeping systems in large enterprise environments.
• Deep understanding of SAP HCM and payroll processing, with familiarity in cloud-based HCM platforms and readiness to guide potential future migrations.
• Hands-on knowledge of SAP ABAP HR development, payroll schemas/rules, and integrations, with the ability to plan, review, and oversee custom development efforts.
• Strong understanding of HR, payroll, tax, and timekeeping processes and regulatory requirements, with the ability to ensure that systems meet compliance and reporting standards.
• Proven track record in large-scale enterprise environments, preferably within spin-offs, carve-outs, or other complex transformation scenarios.
• Experience with non-ERP HR and payroll applications and their integration with ERP systems.
• Proven ability to manage third-party vendors and partners, including negotiating deliverables, overseeing performance, and ensuring alignment with business and technical objectives.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to build high-performing technical teams and develop talent.
• Excellent collaboration and influencing abilities, capable of aligning engineering roadmaps with enterprise product and business priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate emerging technologies and platforms, guiding technology choices to maximize business value without being tied to any single vendor or product.
• Exceptional problem-solving, effective communication, and presentation skills, with a proven ability to engage effectively with both technical teams and senior business leaders.

Additional Requirements:

• Fully Remote: This position has been designated as fully remote, meaning that the position is expected to contribute from a non-NBCUniversal worksite, most commonly an employee’s residence

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: $170,000 - $220,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible)

We are accepting applications for this position on an ongoing basis.

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.  

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access nbcunicareers.com as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by emailing [email protected].

Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.

For LA County and City Residents Only:  NBCUniversal will consider for employment  qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner  consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.