Payroll Benefits Manager

Relate Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Relate Search is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Manager to own the day-to-day payroll and benefits functions for 250+ employees and to drive thoughtful process improvements. This role collaborates with HR leadership and external partners to ensure accurate payroll, responsive benefits support, and compliant retirement and leave administration.

The ideal candidate brings strong payroll and benefits experience, excels in an hourly workforce environment, and can independently manage payroll

Qualifications

• Solid payroll and benefits experience.
• Experience managing payroll for an hourly workforce.
• Ability to independently own payroll operations and improve processes.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience in a mission-driven or nonprofit environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day payroll for ~250+ employees.
• Manage benefits administration, including changes and open enrollment.
• Partner with internal leaders and external benefits partners.
• Oversee and support retirement plan administration.
• Support leave of absence administration and compliance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll and benefits processes.
• Serve as a resource on payroll and benefits questions.
• Collaborate with HR leadership on projects and initiatives.
• Evaluate existing processes and bring forward improvements.

Skills

Payroll management

Benefits administration

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Tools

Paycom

Job description

We are partnered with a growing, mission-driven organization is looking to add a Payroll & Benefits Manager to its HR team.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys owning the day-to-day payroll and benefits function while also having the opportunity to improve processes, bring new ideas, and make a meaningful impact on the employee experience.

The organization has a strong foundation in place and is looking for someone who can step in, provide stability and ownership, and help take the function to the next level.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Oversee the day-to-day payroll process for approximately 250+ employees
• Manage benefits administration, including employee questions, changes, and open enrollment
• Partner with internal leaders and external benefits partners to ensure programs are effectively managed
• Oversee and support retirement plan administration
• Help manage and improve leave of absence administration
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll and benefits processes and improve efficiency
• Serve as a resource to employees and leaders on payroll and benefits-related questions
• Partner closely with HR leadership on projects and initiatives
• Help evaluate existing processes and bring forward new ideas and best practices

What They're Looking For

• Strong payroll and benefits experience
• Experience managing payroll for an hourly workforce
• Ability to independently own payroll operations while also thinking strategically about process improvement
• Comfortable working in a hands-on environment
• Someone who can assess what is working well, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement changes thoughtfully
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Experience with Paycom is preferred
• Experience in a mission-driven or nonprofit environment is a plus, but not required

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is more than a traditional payroll role. The organization has a solid foundation in place but is looking for someone who can elevate the function, improve processes, and have a voice in how payroll and benefits evolve.

You’ll work closely with HR leadership and have the opportunity to make an immediate impact while supporting an employee population that is highly engaged with HR.