Senior Manager Payroll & Labor Compliance

Vortex Companies, LLC•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Senior Manager Payroll & Labor Compliance is responsible for leading all aspects of certified payroll operations, prevailing wage compliance, union payroll administration, and labor compliance programs across multiple business units and jurisdictions. This leadership role serves as the subject matter expert for payroll and labor compliance matters, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local labor regulations while supporting operational excellence across the organization. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in construction payroll, government contract compliance, public works projects, union environments, and multi-state payroll operations.

Requirements

7+ years of progressive experience in construction payroll, certified payroll, labor compliance, or related functions.
3+ years of leadership experience managing payroll, compliance, or related teams.
Extensive knowledge of certified payroll reporting, prevailing wage regulations, and labor compliance requirements.
Strong experience administering union payroll and managing collective bargaining agreement requirements.
Demonstrated expertise with Davis-Bacon Act compliance, public works projects, and government contract labor regulations.
Experience managing multi-state payroll operations and payroll tax compliance.
Advanced proficiency with payroll and ERP systems.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with LCPtracker, eMars, or other electronic certified payroll systems
Knowledge of apprenticeship reporting, workforce compliance tracking, and diversity reporting requirements
Familiarity with federal, state, and municipal public works compliance programs
Understanding of construction accounting principles, labor forecasting, and job costing methodologies
Experience leading payroll system implementations, process optimization, or compliance transformation initiatives
Ability to analyze labor compliance risks and develop proactive mitigation strategies
Experience supporting large-scale or multi-entity construction operations
Ability to operate strategically while maintaining hands-on oversight

Responsibilities

Lead certified payroll operations for public works and government-funded construction projects across multiple states and jurisdictions.
Oversee the preparation, review, and submission of certified payroll reports to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor regulations.
Ensure compliance with prevailing wage requirements, including Davis-Bacon Act regulations and applicable state prevailing wage laws.
Direct labor compliance programs related to employee classifications, wage determinations, fringe benefits, overtime calculations, and apprenticeship requirements.
Manage union payroll administration, including collective bargaining agreement compliance, union dues, benefit contributions, and reporting obligations.
Establish and maintain payroll controls, compliance procedures, and audit processes to ensure accuracy and reduce organizational risk.
Serve as the primary point of contact for government agencies, auditors, labor unions, prime contractors, and internal stakeholders during audits and compliance reviews.
Partner with Finance, HR, Operations, and Project teams to support workforce compliance, labor forecasting, and job costing initiatives.
Oversee multi-state payroll compliance, including payroll tax requirements and jurisdictional reporting.
Lead payroll-related reporting activities, including tax filings, W-2 processing, labor reports, and workforce documentation.
Monitor regulatory changes and implement policy, process, and system updates to maintain compliance.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on payroll systems, reporting accuracy, workflow automation, and operational efficiency.
Develop, mentor, and lead payroll and labor compliance team members while fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
Maintain confidentiality and integrity of payroll, compliance, and employee information.
Support strategic workforce planning and compliance risk management initiatives across the organization.