Team Lead, Payroll & HR Operations

Steel Reef Infrastructure Corporation • Calgary, AB

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Team Lead, Payroll & HR Operations is a key member of the People Services team based in our Calgary office. This role is responsible for leading payroll operations across Canada, and for serving as the primary internal lead for US payroll administration through the PEO. Key accountabilities include payroll processing oversight, year-end activities, payroll calculations, audits, and vendor coordination to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery. The role also provides leadership for HR and payroll systems, benefits administration and strategy, and reporting and process improvement initiatives. Reporting to the Director, People Services, this role directly leads the People Services Analyst and is accountable for ensuring payroll and HR operations are delivered efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with internal requirements and applicable legislation.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in payroll, with experience overseeing full-cycle payroll and year-end processes.
• Demonstrated experience with HRIS and payroll systems, including system administration, reporting, audits, and process improvement.
• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, controls, reconciliations, and compliance requirements in Canada.
• Experience leading or mentoring others, with the ability to provide clear direction, coaching, and support.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage detailed work, balance competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a strong customer service mindset.
• High degree of discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, with adaptability to learn new systems, tools, and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled workplace tools.

Nice To Haves

• Payroll certification or designation is considered an asset.
• Dayforce experience would be considered an asset.
• US payroll exposure is considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations for Canada, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with internal controls and applicable legislation.
• Lead payroll considerations related to field operations including rotational schedules, taxable benefits, and other considerations that would affect pay.
• Act as the primary internal lead for US payroll administration through the PEO, ensuring all supporting files and required information are submitted accurately and on time, payroll reports are reviewed, approvals are provided in time to meet all payroll deadlines, and payroll-related issues are escalated and resolved effectively.
• Oversee all payroll processing activities, including HRIS data review, payroll summaries, payroll reports, quick pay adjustments, and complex payroll calculations such as pro-rations, leaves, disability payments, vacation pay, and other adjustments.
• Own all payroll year-end activities, including reconciliations, required filings, year-end reporting, and coordination with internal and external partners.
• Ensure payroll operations comply with applicable federal and provincial legislation, statutory remittances, internal controls framework, reporting requirements, and monitor legislative changes to maintain ongoing compliance.
• Lead payroll communications and respond to payroll-related inquiries with a high level of service, discretion, and accuracy.
• Manage payroll-related vendor relationships, including the US PEO, to support service levels, issue resolution, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Complete benefit reconciliations, payroll journal entry processes, and ensure payroll records and reports are properly maintained.
• Act as the key lead for HRIS and payroll systems, with accountability for system integrity, proactive system maintenance, data audits, and continuous improvement.
• Lead payroll and HR operations projects, including process redesign initiatives, system enhancements, process improvements, testing, and implementation support.
• Oversee regular employee data checks, reporting accuracy, and audit readiness across payroll and HR systems.
• Support recurring and ad hoc reporting requirements related to payroll, benefits, board materials, ESG reporting, field overtime, and other business needs.
• Maintain strong technical knowledge of relevant systems and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, controls, and user experience.
• Use data and metrics to evaluate payroll efficiency, accuracy, and cycle time improvements.
• Lead benefits administration and support ongoing benefit strategy for Canada and the US, including plan governance, renewals support, vendor coordination, reconciliations, employee support, and ongoing process improvement.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to ensure benefit plans are administered effectively and remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with business needs.
• Support related HR operations processes, including oversight of audit-ready documentation, employee records, and operational reporting requirements.
• Provide guidance and support on employee letters, compensation-related surveys, and other recurring People Services operational deliverables as needed.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and support to the People Services Analyst, including prioritization, coaching, development, and workload oversight.
• Establish and maintain clear processes, procedures, documentation, and controls to support continuity, consistency, audit readiness, and high-quality service delivery across payroll and HR operations.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll, benefits, and HR systems issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to reduce recurrence.
• Serve as the main contact for payroll and HR-related audits, coordinating requests, responses, and follow-up actions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Partner closely with the broader People Services team, Accounting, Finance, and external vendors to support operational priorities and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Other duties as required.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and bonus programs
• Competitive benefit package, including a Flex Spending Account and Savings Plan matching
• Monthly phone allowance
• 8 hours of annual paid Volunteer time to support the communities in which we operate
• Team building activities
• Various recognition reward programs including long-term service awards and value-based awards
• Ability to contribute to a dynamic organization with large growth ambitions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed