Pay & Time Leader

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Pay & Time Leader to oversee payroll and time administration for a complex manufacturing organization. This role will guide accurate pay delivery, strengthen compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and improve the reliability of timekeeping and payroll data. The position also partners closely with HR, Finance, IT, and external providers to enhance processes, reporting, and service quality while leading a high-performing team.

Responsibilities:

• Direct payroll activities across regular and special payment cycles, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on schedule.

• Maintain adherence to wage, tax, and audit requirements at the federal, state, provincial, and local levels while reducing operational risk.

• Partner with HR, Finance, and IT to safeguard payroll system accuracy, validate calculations, and preserve data quality from input through final pay.

• Establish and monitor internal controls through documented procedures, approvals, reconciliations, and recurring process assessments.

• Lead oversight of timekeeping operations, including configuration, compliance settings, workflow efficiency, and the accuracy of labor tracking.

• Work with internal stakeholders and external vendors to resolve payroll and time issues, identify underlying causes, and implement lasting corrective actions.

• Track service performance through audits, dashboards, key metrics, and reporting to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

• Represent the pay and time function in large-scale business initiatives, including acquisitions and operational transformation efforts.

• Coach and develop team members, set clear performance expectations, and build staffing plans that support dependable service delivery.

• Drive process enhancement, automation, and technology optimization across payroll and time systems to improve efficiency and user experience.

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in payroll and time administration, including leadership responsibility.
• Minimum of 5 years managing payroll and time processes within a complex, multi-site manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, payroll tax obligations, and gross-to-net validation practices.
• Experience supporting unionized employee populations across multiple states and numerous legal entities.
• Working knowledge of timekeeping workflows, scheduling practices, and related compliance considerations.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise platforms such as Workday, ServiceNow, and other payroll or time management systems.
• Proven ability to lead both onsite and remote teams with strong communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.