Payroll Manager

I am partnering confidentially with a large, complex, and fast‑paced organization to identify an experienced Payroll Manager for a long-term contract engagement . This role will lead payroll operations within a shared services environment supporting a sizable, geographically diverse workforce across the U.S. and Canada.

This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned payroll leader who thrives in high‑volume environments, enjoys developing teams, and brings a strong compliance and process‑improvement mindset.

The Opportunity

This Payroll Manager will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership over enterprise payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service delivery. You will oversee a large payroll team and partner closely with senior leadership, HR, Accounting, Benefits, and external vendors.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the end‑to‑end execution of weekly, bi‑weekly, and semi‑monthly payrolls for salaried, hourly, tipped, seasonal, and union employees
• Oversee multi‑state U.S. and multi‑province Canadian payroll operations in a high‑volume environment
• Manage, mentor, and develop a payroll organization of direct and indirect reports (approximately 28 staff)
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, local, and Canadian payroll tax regulations
• Drive performance management, coaching, and professional development across the payroll team
• Partner with HR, Accounting, Benefits, Risk Management, and executive leadership to support payroll reporting and analytics
• Serve as the primary payroll contact for external service providers and vendors
• Maintain and enforce strong internal controls and SOX compliance
• Evaluate existing payroll processes and lead continuous improvement initiatives
• Apply change management best practices to successfully implement process and system enhancements
• Maintain exceptional customer service standards, including response time, issue resolution, and stakeholder satisfaction
• Ensure confidentiality, data security, and integrity of payroll records
• Oversee payroll turnaround times for corrections, inquiries, and reporting
• Support special projects and initiatives as needed

What We’re Looking For

• CPP certification (preferred)
• 10+ years of payroll experience , including 5+ years in a Payroll Manager role
• Experience leading payroll within organizations of 10,000+ employees
• Strong knowledge of:
• Canadian provincial payroll (preferred)
• Wage & hour laws, garnishments, payroll taxes, and regulatory reporting
• Background working in publicly traded companies
• Experience with payroll systems, reporting, timekeeping, POS, and related platforms
• Hands‑on leader willing to step into processes and identify improvement opportunities
• Strong understanding of internal controls, audit readiness, and SOX compliance
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, reporting, analysis)
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑moving, evolving environment with ambiguity
• Strong communicator with the judgment to know when to lead and when to partner

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting large shared‑services payroll organizations
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field
• Job Type: Contract
• Compensation: $48.00 – $60.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)

Why This Role?

This is a highly visible payroll leadership role offering the opportunity to make an immediate impact within a sophisticated payroll organization. Ideal for Payroll Managers who enjoy stepping into complex environments, leading large teams, and driving operational excellence.

All inquiries and applications will be handled confidentially.