Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

Connect Search is partnering with a rapidly growing organization in the automotive industry to identify an experienced Payroll Manager who is ready to lead a high-performing payroll function through an exciting period of expansion.

This is a newly elevated leadership position created as the company continues to grow and invest in its people. If you're a payroll professional who enjoys leading teams, improving processes, and ensuring payroll is delivered accurately and compliantly across multiple states, this is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Our client currently processes payroll for approximately 900 employees across multiple states and has ambitious growth plans to double in size by 2030, including the acquisition of multiple dealerships over the next several years.

They're looking for a hands-on Payroll Manager who can lead the team today while building scalable processes for tomorrow.

What You'll Do

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of three payroll professionals
• Oversee weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly payroll processing for approximately 900 employees
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple states
• Manage payroll tax compliance, reporting, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain and optimize payroll processes within ADP Workforce
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and dealership leadership to resolve payroll-related issues
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll efficiency, controls, and scalability
• Support acquisitions and payroll integration efforts as the company continues its aggressive growth strategy

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of progressive payroll experience
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing payroll staff
• Multi-state payroll experience
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, compliance, and best practices
• Experience processing high-volume payrolls
• Experience using ADP Workforce or similar enterprise payroll systems
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification
• Experience supporting a growing, multi-location organization
• Experience with acquisitions or payroll integrations is a plus

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a leader who enjoys building strong teams and creating efficient payroll operations. The right person will be:

• A confident people leader who enjoys mentoring and developing others
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Organized and able to manage multiple payroll schedules and priorities
• Process-minded with a passion for continuous improvement
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
• Collaborative, approachable, and service-focused

Compensation & Benefits

• $90,000–$105,000 (depending on experience)
• Bonus opportunity
• Leadership opportunity with a growing organization
• Long-term career growth as the company continues expanding

If you're looking for a chance to lead a payroll team, influence process improvements, and play a key role in a company's next phase of growth, we'd love to speak with you.

Contact Jesseca McCalla at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email your resume to View email address on click.appcast.io to learn more about this confidential opportunity.