Payroll Operations Lead

Patrick Industries•Elkhart, IN

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Patrick Industries is hiring a Payroll Operations Lead to join their Corporate team in Elkhart, IN. This role is responsible for leading and executing all aspects of enterprise payroll operations across a complex, multi-entity environment. The position ensures payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in full compliance with all regulatory requirements while supporting a growing portfolio of businesses. This position owns end-to-end payroll delivery, including operational execution, compliance controls, and system optimization. The Payroll Operations Lead serves as the functional leader of payroll, balancing hands-on processing expertise with leadership of people, processes, and systems.

Requirements

10+ years of payroll experience with demonstrated ownership of full-cycle payroll processing
5+ years of payroll leadership experience, including team management and functional ownership
Proven experience managing payroll in multi-entity, multi-state environments
Deep knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements (FLSA, federal, state)
Strong hands-on experience with payroll systems (SAP ECP strongly preferred)
Demonstrated experience setting up and managing payroll across multiple FEINs
Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, and payroll integrations
Strong understanding of hourly payroll, timekeeping systems, and labor compliance
Proven ability to lead audits, implement controls, and mitigate payroll risk
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification strongly preferred
Exposure to global payroll operations or multi-country payroll environments

Responsibilities

Own and oversee end-to-end payroll processing across multiple entities, states, and employee populations (hourly and salaried)
Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, with full ownership of validation, balancing, and issue resolution
Maintain consistent payroll operations across a decentralized business structure while ensuring alignment with enterprise standards
Establish scalable processes that support growth while maintaining operational control
Serve as the functional owner of payroll systems, including SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP) or equivalent platforms
Ensure payroll systems are configured, maintained, and optimized for accuracy, efficiency, and compliance
Troubleshoot complex payroll system issues and partner with IT to resolve root causes
Support system enhancements, integrations, and ongoing improvements to payroll technology
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements
Own payroll tax processes, including filings, W-2 processing, and year-end activities
Establish and maintain strong internal controls and audit-ready documentation
Lead internal and external payroll audits and drive remediation of findings
Lead payroll integration efforts for newly acquired businesses
Establish and manage payroll across multiple FEINs within a unified operating model
Evaluate payroll systems, processes, and risks during due diligence
Transition acquired entities into standardized or hybrid payroll models and stabilize operations post-integration
Lead, develop, and manage payroll team members, ensuring high performance and accountability
Partner closely with Finance (including Treasury), HR, Benefits, and HRIS teams to ensure seamless payroll execution
Communicate payroll policies, processes, and updates clearly to stakeholders and employees
Act as a trusted advisor on payroll-related matters across the organization