Manager, Benefits & Payroll

NexaMotion Group•Walton Hills, OH

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

NMG is seeking a Manager of Benefits & Payroll to lead the team that pays team members accurately and on time as well as responds to inquiries around payroll and benefits across NMG’s U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada operations. This is a working manager role. It manages a team that spans payroll and benefits, set priorities and standards, develops talent, holds the team accountable for results, and owns the controls that protect accuracy and compliance. The role is required to have centralized responsibilities of payroll, benefits, and the team that works in those areas. These responsibilities include the accurate workflow of deductions, 401(k) contributions, and benefit elections, pay coordination across leave of absences and disability, team coverage through blackout windows and year-end activities; and owns the management-level relationships with ADP, carriers, and brokers. This role is also the escalation point for complex pay, tax, and benefits issues, as well as the final review on payroll runs, tax filings, and plan filings. This role is ideal for a working manager who can think strategically while coaching a growing team, hold team members accountable on process and controls, and bring AI and automation into the team operations. Most importantly, this role is for someone who understands NMG’s core values and models the behavior. The incumbent will lead a team grounded in NMG’s Mission, Vision, and Values, operating with a high standard of professionalism, accountability, and trust, and guided by Commitment, Humility, Optimism, Integrity, and Respect.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive payroll and/or benefits experience, including multi-state, high-volume environments.
3+ years directly leading and managing a payroll and/or benefits team.
Demonstrated ownership of multi-jurisdiction payroll tax compliance and benefits/401(k) plan administration.
Strong working knowledge of the regulatory framework across payroll and benefits, including FLSA, ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable DOL and IRS regulations.
Experience partnering with Finance on funding, general ledger reconciliation, and audits.
High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, IF statements, pivot tables, charts) and the ability to prepare leadership ready reports and communications.
Demonstrated alignment with NMG’s values: Commitment, Humility, Optimism, Integrity, and Respect.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Accounting, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and/or CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR certification.
Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now and eTime (Enhanced Time) as the system of record.
Experience supporting Canada and Puerto Rico payroll and benefits.
Experience with union environments and contract-driven pay rules.
Experience leading and managing payroll or benefits through acquisitions, system implementations, or process redesign.
Experience using AI tools (e.g., Claude) to automate or streamline payroll or HR workflows.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, develop, manage and hold accountable the Benefits & Payroll teams, setting clear priorities and engaging in consistent communication, performance expectations, and growth paths across both disciplines.
Build cross-functional teams through cross-training so payroll runs, year-end activities, and open enrollment operate smoothly through peak cycles.
Manage day-to-day resource allocation, hold regular one-on-ones, and conduct performance reviews.
Develop team members to understand accountability and results that are paramount to high-value outcome.
Foster and lead a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Own accurate and timely payroll across multiple cycles for U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, and union team members.
Serve as the final review and approval on payroll runs, enforcing separation of duties and internal controls.
Oversee multi-jurisdiction payroll tax compliance, registrations, filings, reconciliations, and notice resolution in partnership with internal Total Rewards team members.
Identify and resolve root cause for escalated pay, tax, garnishment, and timekeeping issues.
Partner with Finance on payroll cost center alignment, reconciliation, and audit support.
Oversee benefits and 401(k) plan operations, annual open enrollment, plan testing, audits, and required filings.
Ensure timely, compliant administration of leaves of absence, disability, and workers’ compensation when those intersect payroll.
Own management-level relationships with carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators, holding vendors to service and cost commitments.
Partner with the Senior Total Rewards Specialist to drive benefits strategy, cost management, and team member education.
Lead end-to-end pay treatment across leaves, disability, and terminations, ensuring seamless handoffs between Benefits and Payroll.
Partner with the internal Total Rewards team members on HRIS, reporting, and compensation data that depend on clean payroll and benefit inputs.
Ensure all payroll and benefits programs comply with applicable federal, state, provincial, and local regulations, including FLSA, ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico requirements.
Maintain documented, audit-ready SOPs and records across payroll and benefits.
Prepare leadership and board ready reporting and analysis on payroll, benefits, and compliance metrics.
Drive adoption of AI and automation to eliminate manual work and strengthen accuracy, partnering with the team to identify and scale high-impact use cases.
Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on policy, system capabilities, and process improvements that advance the function.
Maintains positive relationships through NMG values with team members at all levels within NMG.
Additional initiatives and responsibilities as business needs evolve.
Analysis and reporting for M&A activity and greenfield locations may be required.