What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Manager position at Food Management Search?
Payroll Manager (100% Remote)
Location: Pittsburgh or Nashville base
About Our Client
Our client is a rapidly scaling, consumer-driven brand that’s reimagining a traditional experience into something bold, modern, and culture-forward. With an emphasis on creativity, energy, and people-first values, they’ve built a loyal following—and they’re just getting started.
Behind the scenes, this organization is equally impressive: fast growth, multi-state operations, and a leadership team committed to building infrastructure that can scale. This is where you come in.
Why This Role is a Game-Changer
This is a fully remote, high-impact Payroll Manager role where you won’t just “run payroll”—you’ll build it, own it, and elevate it.
Our client is bringing payroll fully in-house for the first time, and they’re looking for someone who thrives in that kind of ownership. If you enjoy taking something complex, streamlining it, and making it world-class—this is your lane.
The Role
The Payroll Manager will take full ownership of payroll operations for a multi-state workforce of 2,000 employees across a rapidly expanding footprint. This role will oversee the entire payroll lifecycle—from data inputs and compliance to reporting and process optimization—while partnering cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Operations.
You’ll be the go-to expert, the problem-solver, and the architect of a scalable payroll function.
What You’ll Own
End-to-End Payroll Execution
- Lead the full biweekly payroll cycle across multiple entities and states
- Process and validate payroll data, including earnings, deductions, and tax treaments
- Ensure accurate integration of timekeeping data and variable compensation elements
- Deliver payroll on time, every time—with zero surprises
High-Volume, Complex Environment
- Manage payroll in a fast-paced, multi-location environment with hourly and salaried employees
- Oversee variable pay components such as tips, incentives, and bonuses
- Ensure accuracy across large datasets and multiple systems
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
- Manage multi-state tax filings, payments, and issue resolution
- Maintain compliance with wage laws, including minimum wage and tip-related regulations
Reconciliation & Controls
- Perform detailed payroll audits and reconciliations (gross-to-net, benefits, GL tie-outs)
- Partner with Accounting on month-end close and payroll accruals
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies with a proactive mindset
Systems & Optimization
- Serve as the internal expert across payroll and timekeeping platforms
- Identify automation opportunities and implement process improvements
- Build scalable workflows and internal controls as the company grows
Business Partnership
- Act as the internal payroll authority for employee and leadership inquiries
- Partner with HR on employee lifecycle events and compensation changes
- Support operations with insights into labor costs and payroll reporting
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field
- 5 years of payroll experience in high-volume environments
- Experience supporting 1,000 employees across multiple states
- Strong knowledge of payroll tax compliance and wage regulations
- Experience with modern payroll systems
Bonus Points
- Background in restaurant, hospitality, or tip-driven environments
- Experience with integrated payroll/timekeeping systems
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
What Success Looks Like (First 6 Months)
- Seamlessly transition payroll from an outsourced model to in-house ownership
- Establish streamlined, repeatable payroll workflows and controls
- Improve processing efficiency, accuracy, and reporting visibility
- Ensure airtight compliance across all jurisdictions
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life & AD&D Coverage
- Fully Remote Flexibility
Tech Requirements
- Must provide your own laptop
- Reliable high-speed internet required
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a remote role where you can truly own a function, make an impact, and grow alongside a high-energy, scaling organization—this is it.