Peoplesoft HCM Product Manager

Seeking a Product Manager to support strategy, planning, and execution for Payroll and Absence Management within a large HR/Payroll shared services organization in Higher Ed. The Product Manager will drive initiatives from requirements definition through delivery, ensuring alignment with business policies, compliance standards, and operational needs across the institution.

This role requires a senior product leader who can quickly assess the current environment, collaborate with stakeholders, and deliver measurable outcomes.

Scope of Work / Responsibilities

• Own and define the product vision and strategy for Payroll and Absence Management, ensuring alignment with organization's mission, compliance obligations, and evolving business/user needs.
• Lead Roadmap definition and execution for Payroll and Absence Management.
• Partner with operations teams, IT, Business leaders, and other business units to define and prioritize initiatives.
• Gather, document, and validate business requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria.
• Oversee development, testing, and deployment of product features and enhancements in collaboration with IT and business teams.
• Lead change management efforts, including stakeholder communications, training coordination, and adoption support.
• Ensure solutions comply with institution policies, regulatory requirements, and union agreements.
• Develop clear documentation, recommendations, and transition materials to support long-term product sustainability.
• Provide regular updates to leadership on progress, risks, and outcomes.

Required Skills & Experience

• 7+ years of product management experience (Payroll, HR, or Benefits systems).
• Strongly preferred – Expert functional and business knowledge of PeopleSoft HCM, Payroll and Absence management modules.
• Business Analyst and Project manager experience would be a plus.
• Proven success leading payroll or HR technology initiatives in large, complex, or shared-services environments.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with experience balancing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills; ability to work with both technical and non-technical teams.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; able to evaluate trade-offs and make data-driven recommendations.
• Familiarity with product development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, workforce administration, and union agreements.
• Prior consulting, contract, or interim leadership experience.