Senior Manager, Benefits & Payroll (Greater Chicago Area)

Our client located in Chicago (southwest side) in the non-profit sector is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits!

This role is to serve as the organization's subject matter expert for payroll, benefits, HRIS, and related compliance programs. Reporting to the VP of HR and as an individual contributor, this role owns accurate and compliant payroll administration, benefits program management, and oversight of the HR technology platform, while acting as a trusted advisor to leadership on process improvements and data-driven decision-making.

What You'll Do:

• Lead accurate, timely, bi-weekly payroll administration, including tax reporting, reconciliations, retirement contributions, garnishments, and year-end/audit activities
• Administer health, welfare, retirement, wellness, and voluntary benefit programs; lead annual Open Enrollment and benefits communications
• Serve as primary administrator for payroll/HRIS system and related HR technologies, ensuring data integrity and reporting accuracy
• Develop dashboards, metrics, and analytics that give leadership insight into payroll and benefits performance
• Ensure compliance with payroll, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, wage and hour, and related employment regulations
• Oversee the third-party leave administrator and coordinate payroll/benefits impacts of employee leaves
• Manage vendor relationships across payroll, HRIS, benefits, retirement, wellness, and leave administration; lead business reviews and renewals
• Provide consultative support to employees and leaders on payroll, benefits, and HRIS questions

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, benefits, or HR operations
• Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships and leading operational improvements
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, and wage and hour laws
• Experience with Paylocity, ADP, Paycom or a comparable HRIS/payroll platform
• CPP, CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred
• Comfortable in a hybrid (3 days on-site), with periodic schedule flexibility during payroll cycles, Open Enrollment, and year-end

What's In It For You:

• Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• On-site gym