HR Kickstart

Role Description We are hiring a Senior Consultant, Global Payroll & Benefits to lead high-impact client engagements across domestic and international payroll, benefits, and total rewards infrastructure. This is not exclusively a back-office processing role. - You will typically enter client environments through a defined project (e.g., payroll stabilization, global expansion, benefits redesign), quickly assess gaps, execute with precision, and then elevate the conversation to more strategic work. - Our clients tend to stick with us for repeat engagements. - Our best consultants don’t just complete the project, they become indispensable. What Success Looks Like - You stabilize and optimize payroll & benefits operations quickly and effectively, building immediate client trust. - You are forward-thinking and identify upstream and downstream risks (compliance, scalability, systems, cost) before they become problems. - You are able to synthesize complex data and nuance to the business leaders you support. - You translate operational issues into strategic recommendations that you are able to support leadership teams to action. - You expand our services and our value to clients organically by uncovering additional needs and opportunities. - Clients request to extend your engagement or broaden your role beyond the initial project. Key Responsibilities - Client Delivery & Execution - Lead multi-state and international payroll operations across a range of client environments (PEOs, in-house, global providers). - Diagnose and resolve payroll issues, discrepancies, and compliance risks. - Own and execute payroll transitions, implementations, and cleanups. - Oversee and improve benefits administration, vendor relationships, and plan design. - Lead open enrollment processes and employee communications. - Strategic Advisory - Assess and redesign payroll and benefits infrastructure to support company growth (50–500+ employees). - Advise on global expansion strategy including payroll, benefits, mobility, and compliance considerations. - Identify cost optimization opportunities across benefits and payroll structures. - Partner with leadership to align total rewards with talent and business strategy. - Client Expansion & Influence - Build strong relationships with founders, executives, and functional leaders. - Collaborate with HR Kickstart team on opportunities to bring in additional specialists (e.g., comp, recruiting, HRBP support). - Identify additional needs beyond initial scope and contribute to expanding engagements by leaning into broader HR consultant support where appropriate. Qualifications - 6–10+ years of experience in payroll and benefits, including multi-state and international environments. - Strong experience with PEOs and global payroll providers (Rippling, Gusto, and Paylocity strongly preferred). - Demonstrated ability to lead payroll cleanups, implementations, or transformations. - Deep knowledge of payroll tax, compliance, and regulatory requirements. - Experience advising on benefits strategy and plan design, not just administration. - Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-changing client environments. - While we welcome existing consultants at all stages of building their business, we are not considering candidates currently committed to a w2 role. What Sets You Apart - You don’t just fix problems, you see around corners. - You are comfortable working autonomously. - You are able to execute operationally as well as advise strategically. - You’re confident engaging directly with C-level stakeholders. - You naturally look for ways to add value beyond the stated scope. Tools & Environment - Experience with Rippling, ADP, Gusto, Justworks, Paylocity and/or other payroll platforms. - Comfortable working in Google Workspace, Slack, and Asana. - Experience partnering with international vendors and Employer of Record (EOR) providers. - Comfortable working with other consultants in an asynchronous, remote environment. Engagement Details - Contract (1099). - Remote from the US. - Typically 5–25 hours/week (varies by client and project). - Must operate through your own business entity and carry liability insurance (if you don’t already have liability insurance, you must be willing to obtain it). - Payrate: $90 - $125/hr (varies by client and project).