Senior Manager - Global Payroll

Rehlko•Milwaukee, WI

2d•$122,750 - $156,850

About The Position

The Senior Manager Global Payroll Operations oversees all payroll activities for a manufacturing workforce that includes hourly plant employees, union labor, shift‑based operations, and salaried staff. This leader ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across multiple facilities while driving operational efficiency, system optimization, and strong internal controls. This role partners closely with HR, Plant Operations, Finance, and Labor Relations to support a safe, productive, and compliant manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CPA CPP) strongly preferred.
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in payroll leadership, with at least 5 years leading global payroll operations in a large, multi-country organization preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments.
Experience with unionized manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated expertise in global payroll strategy development and execution, including experience with U.S. GAAP, SOX, and international payroll/tax regulations.
Direct experience with enterprise payroll systems ADP and Workday required, including experience leading systems integration and process transformations.
Proven experience leveraging automation and/or RPA tools to streamline payroll processes, improve accuracy and reduce costs.
Strong knowledge of upstream payroll inputs (compensation, benefits, stock administration, global mobility and legal) and integrations (Finance, HR, timekeeping, third-party HR/payroll solutions).
Demonstrated record of building, mentoring, and leading geographically dispersed teams of payroll professionals.
Experience managing external payroll vendors and developing strong vendor relationships to achieve exceptional outcomes.
Strong cross-functional influence skills with proven success collaborating with Finance, HR, IT, Legal and external partners to improve process and ensure business-critical deliverables.

Responsibilities

Payroll Leadership & Operations Direct the full-cycle payroll process for multi-state and multi-country employee populations.
Lead end‑to-end payroll processing for multi‑site manufacturing operations, including high‑volume hourly workforces, shift differentials, overtime, and incentive pay.
Ensure payroll is processed accurately, on schedule, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, and internal controls to maintain data integrity.
Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures, and best practices.
Union & Labor Relations Alignment Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to payroll processes.
Partner with Labor Relations to ensure payroll practices align with union rules, grievance procedures, and contract renewals.
Support audits, arbitration preparation, and labor negotiations with accurate payroll data.
Team Management Lead, mentor, and develop a team of payroll specialists and supervisors.
Establish performance goals, provide coaching, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Compliance & Risk Management Maintain expert knowledge of wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
Partner with Legal and Compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulatory changes.
Manage payroll tax filings, year-end processes (W‑2, 1099, etc.), and audits.
Systems & Process Optimization Oversee payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, SAP) and drive enhancements or implementations.
Collaborate with HRIS and IT to ensure system accuracy, integration, and data flow.
Identify automation opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with HR on compensation changes, benefits, leaves of absence, and employee data management.
Work with Finance and Accounting on payroll funding, GL reconciliation, and reporting.
Serve as the payroll subject-matter expert for internal stakeholders and executive leadership.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management Manage relationships with payroll service providers, tax agencies, and third-party vendors.
Negotiate contracts, monitor service levels, and ensure vendor performance aligns with organizational needs.
Support audits, arbitration preparation, and labor negotiations with accurate payroll data.