Manager, Payroll & Benefits

Overview Create a future where DNA is no longer destiny. Join Rocket Pharma. Rocket Pharma is a fully integrated, late-stage biotechnology company advancing gene therapies with curative potential for patients with rare and life-threatening diseases. We are a team of creative, compassionate, and driven individuals united by a profound mission of seeking gene therapy cures. Rocket places tremendous value on our people and fosters a collaborative environment where bold ideas thrive and every team member makes a meaningful impact. Our core values guide everything we do: we trust one another, show generosity toward patients, embrace curiosity, and strive to elevate science. Team members receive a competitive total rewards package, including equity participation, 401(k) matching, and excellent health benefits. Position Summary The Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for the end-to-end administration of employee benefits, leave programs, and payroll operations. Reporting to the Associate Director, Payroll & Compliance, this role ensures accurate, compliant, and efficient processing of payroll while delivering a high-quality employee experience across benefits and leave management. The position partners closely with Finance, People Operations, and external vendors to maintain operational excellence and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities Manage full-cycle payroll processing across exempt and non-exempt employees Ensure timely and accurate payroll execution in Workday Payroll Maintain payroll compliance with federal, state, and local regulations Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliations, accruals, and reporting Process and reconcile equity events (RSUs), including taxation and coordination with external providers Benefits Administration Oversee day-to-day administration of health, welfare, and retirement programs Manage benefits billing, reconciliation, and vendor payments Ensure accurate eligibility, enrollments, and life event processing Serve as primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries Leave Management Administer all leave programs including FMLA, state leaves, and company policies Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations Partner with employees and managers to support seamless leave experiences Compliance & Reporting Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., ACA, ERISA, FLSA) Support audits and maintain documentation for payroll and benefits processes and controls Qualifications 5 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration, preferably in a public company Experience processing multi-state payroll, including exempt and non-exempt required, experience with equity and RSU payrolls preferred Experience with Workday Payroll and Time and Attendance highly preferred Experience with benefits billing and vendor management Experience with leave of absence administration and compliance requirements Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex, sensitive data Experience with SOX controls, audits, and compliance frameworks highly preferred Compensation The expected salary range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000.  At Rocket, our compensation philosophy and ranges are built upon data and insights collected from validated world-class providers. We are committed to compensating employees equitably based on several factors, including responsibilities and level of the position, depth and types of the employee’s experience, location of the position and availability of similar talent in a competitive market. For U.S.-based candidates, this is an at-will position, and Rocket reserves the right to adjust the range at hire or during the year due to market shifts. In addition to base salary, Rocket offers a competitive total rewards package that may include bonuses (short-term incentives), medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) with company match and generous vesting, paid vacation and holidays, global shutdown days between Christmas and New Year’s, and a variety of wellness resources and employee support programs. Also, certain positions are eligible for added forms of compensation, such equity awards (long-term incentives). EEO Statement A diverse workforce fosters innovation and strengthens Rocket’s business. We ensure equal opportunity without discrimination or harassment in the workplace on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, citizenship, status as a protected veteran, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws.