Director of Payroll and Benefits

About the Role:

The Director of Payroll and Benefits will lead and oversee all payroll and employee benefits functions within our organization, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. This role is critical in managing the end-to-end payroll process, administering comprehensive benefits programs, and maintaining adherence to federal, state, and local regulations. The Director will collaborate closely with HR, finance, and leadership teams to develop strategies that optimize employee compensation and benefits offerings while controlling costs. They will also be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, implementing best practices, and leveraging technology to enhance payroll and benefits operations. Ultimately, this position ensures that employees are compensated accurately and timely, and that benefits programs support workforce satisfaction and retention.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in payroll and benefits management, preferably within the manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, benefits administration, and relevant federal and state regulations.
• Proven experience managing a team and leading cross-functional projects.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Professional certification such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS).
• Experience with ERP systems and payroll software such as ADP.
• Demonstrated success in process improvement and change management initiatives.
• Familiarity with unionized workforce payroll and benefits administration.
• Familiarity with M&A diligence and integration process.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the payroll/benefits team, and the entire payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing for all employees.
• Administer employee benefits programs including health insurance, retirement plans, leave policies, and wellness initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable payroll, tax, and benefits laws and regulations, including reporting and audits.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll and benefits team to maintain high performance and professional growth.
• Collaborate with HR and finance departments to align payroll and benefits strategies with organizational goals.
• Evaluate and implement payroll and benefits technology solutions to improve efficiency and data accuracy.
• Prepare and present regular reports on payroll and benefits metrics, trends, and budget impacts to senior leadership.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external vendors, auditors, and regulatory agencies related to payroll and benefits.
• Creates SOPs and trains system's user on processes and procedures.

Skills:

The Director of Payroll and Benefits will utilize their expertise in payroll systems and benefits administration daily to ensure accurate and compliant processing of employee compensation and benefits. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for managing the payroll and benefits team, collaborating with internal stakeholders, and negotiating with external vendors. Analytical skills are applied to interpret payroll data, monitor compliance, and prepare detailed reports for senior management. Proficiency with payroll and HRIS software enables the Director to streamline operations and implement technology-driven improvements. Additionally, knowledge of regulatory requirements ensures that all payroll and benefits activities meet legal standards, minimizing risk for the organization.