Manager - Engineering Manpower Resources - Payroll

Job ID: 13880

Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road

Location: Jamaica, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Asst. CO Planning&Oper Support

Date Posted: Dec 4, 2025

Description

Job Title: Manager – Engineering Manpower Resources - Payroll

Department: Engineering

MTA Agency: LIRR

Primary Location(s): Queens, NY

Salary Range/Additional Compensation Details: $99,782 - $149,672

Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: N/A

Union Affiliation: MPA

Closing Date (if applicable): Open Until Filled

Shift (if applicable): Regular

Other:

About your agency:

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position will be responsible for managing, planning, coordinating, and administering payroll functions in the Engineering Department to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and LIRR policies and processes; it will also be responsible for ensuring proper oversight and management to all staff involved in the entry, approval, and sign-off of time worked/paid and all associated documentation. Position will evaluate current processes within the payroll area and suggest and implement changes to streamline these, improve accuracy, and eliminate any duplication of efforts and/or inefficient utilization of current resources; it will also contribute to the creation of new processes when necessary. It will ensure that Engineering employees (both Division 1 and Division 5) are paid properly, that procedures related to this are available, thorough, and communicated, and that systems related to labor/payroll distribution are properly maintained and updated.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee payroll staff in the weekly processing of Division 1 and Division 5 payroll. Manage payroll entry, approvals, sign-offs, adjustments, and reversals, as well as ad-hoc and regularly scheduled payroll-related reports. Create and maintain queries for payroll staff and Engineering management.
• Manage the updating and maintenance of KRONOS (or applicable payroll system) with regard to application of contractual changes and pay rules, biometric information, and promotion, new hire, salary change, information etc. Liaise with Corporate Payroll, IT, Human Resources, and other departments on this and other matters/projects.
• Handle inquiries and requests regarding biometric clocks, including installation/ reassignment of clocks, addressing of broken/vandalized clocks, and resolution of specific biometric-related employee issues.
• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide training and career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential. Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.
• Manage SAFERS for the Engineering department. Ensure accurate and timely data entry of submitted audits into ECR SAFER is compliant with FRA regulations. Obtain system access for Payroll Information Clerks and Resource Analysts.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related business/financial field. An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Must possess a minimum of six years payroll experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must possess working knowledge of labor/payroll distribution systems (ex., Kronos/CTAMS).
• Must possess experience managing and supervising office administration staff with the ability to train, direct, and motivate.
• Must possess strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess strong and effective communication and interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Must have ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and establish priorities to meet deadlines.
• Must possess demonstrated ability to develop and implement administrative procedures and processes.
• Must possess experience with and/or understanding of collective bargaining agreements.
• Must possess strong computer skills, with working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Must possess a strong work ethic, demonstrated professionalism, and a high degree of integrity, as well as a strong awareness of confidentiality.
• Must be a self-driven individual with the ability to motivate and influence others in a positive and productive manner to meet departmental/corporate goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in an LIRR administrative/operational support area.
• Knowledge of Engineering organizational structure, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and LIRR corporate policies and procedures.

BENEFITS:

• Commuting Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA's jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
• Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
• Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Programs
• MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
• Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit
• Employee Resource Groups
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OTHER INFORMATION:

• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company's discretion.
• Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or