Payroll Manager

Position Summary: 

We are looking for a Payroll Manager to lead the accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of payroll for Welch's employees across multiple states and locations. Reporting to the Director, People & Operations this role owns end-to-end payroll operations for union and non-union employees, leads and develops the payroll team, and partners closely with HR, Finance, Legal, Benefits, and plant leadership. 

The Payroll Manager will balance hands-on operational leadership with continuous improvement. This person will strengthen controls, simplify processes, improve the employee experience, and use systems and data to make payroll more efficient, reliable, and scalable. 

Where You'll Work 

This role is based at our Waltham, Massachusetts headquarters and follows Welch's hybrid work model, with in-office requirement Monday through Wednesday and remote work Thursday and Friday. Occasional travel to Welch's manufacturing locations will be required. 

What You'll Do: 

• Professionalize the payroll function to be best in class through tools, systems and integrations with our vendors and internal stakeholders 

• Lead the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. 

• Manage payroll operations for a multi-state workforce that includes salaried, hourly, union, non-union, and seasonal employees across corporate and manufacturing locations. 

• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team, establishing clear roles, service expectations, performance measures, and cross-training to ensure strong coverage and continuity. 

• Review and approve payroll calculations, adjustments, deductions, garnishments, taxes, benefit contributions, paid time off, shift premiums, overtime, bonuses, and other earnings. 

• Interpret and administer payroll provisions in collective bargaining agreements, company policies, employment agreements, and applicable wage and hour laws. 

• Own payroll tax compliance, including registrations, deposits, reconciliations, quarterly and annual filings, W-2 processing, amendments, notices, and agency inquiries. 

• Maintain strong payroll controls, documentation, segregation of duties, and audit-ready records; identify risks and take prompt corrective action. 

• Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll, tax, benefit, and general ledger accounts; investigate variances and support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities. 

• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert for HRIS, timekeeping, payroll, and related integrations; partner with HRIS and IT to test and implement system changes and enhancements. 

• Monitor data quality and resolve issues involving employee records, time and attendance, pay rates, cost centers, deductions, and interfaces before payroll is finalized. 

• Build effective partnerships within HR including: Benefits, Compensation and other key stakeholders in  Finance, Legal, Operations, and plant teams to resolve issues and support business needs. 

• Oversee payroll vendors and service providers, monitor service levels, and escalate issues to ensure timely resolution and strong accountability. 

• Respond to employee questions with accuracy, empathy, confidentiality, and a strong service mindset. 

• Lead process improvement and automation efforts that reduce manual work, strengthen accuracy, and make payroll easier for employees and leaders. 

• Develop and track payroll metrics, including accuracy, timeliness, off-cycle activity, adjustments, service levels, and recurring root causes. 

• Stay current on payroll legislation and regulatory changes, assess business impact, and implement required process or system updates. 

• Support internal and external audits, workers' compensation audits, retirement plan testing, and other compliance reviews. 

Who You Are: 

• A trusted payroll leader who takes ownership, protects confidentiality, and delivers consistently accurate results. 

• A systems thinker who looks beyond the immediate transaction to improve the process, control, and employee experience. 

• Strong analytical leader with attention to detail and process 

• A people leader who sets clear expectations, develops talent, and creates a collaborative, accountable team environment. 

• Highly organized and able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing attention to detail. 

• A strong problem solver who can identify root causes, assess risk, and make sound decisions with incomplete or time-sensitive information.