Payroll Manager

Rio Tinto; Burbank (CA); Hybrid; USD 144,900 - 177,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Rio Tinto Borates is seeking a strategic U.S. Payroll Manager to design and lead the transition of payroll into a standalone function. You will shape the future payroll operating model, oversee separation from Rio Tinto, and build governance, processes, and controls.

Based in the Los Angeles/Burbank area with hybrid work, you will lead end-to-end U.S. payroll across multi-state operations, partner with HR, Finance and IT, and drive improvements while preparing Day One readiness for the new

Qualifications

• Led complex U.S. payroll operations across multiple states.
• Experience supporting a major business transformation or carve-out.
• Strong focus on improving processes rather than maintaining status quo.
• Experience partnering with HR, Finance, Benefits, IT and external payroll providers.

Responsibilities

• Design the future payroll operating model during the transition and support separation from Rio Tinto.
• Lead end-to-end U.S. payroll operations with governance across providers.
• Oversee transition planning, process mapping, knowledge transfer and payroll readiness.

Skills

US payroll expertise

Cross-functional collaboration

Process improvement

Vendor management

Tools

SAP

ADP

UKG

Workday

Oracle

Job description

Round-Peg Solutions is proud to be partnering exclusively with Rio Tinto Borates as they embark on one of the most exciting business transformations in the industry. We're searching for an exceptional U.S. Payroll Manager to help shape the future of payroll as Borates transitions into a standalone organisation. This isn't a role where you'll simply inherit an established function, you'll help build it.

If you've ever wanted the opportunity to influence strategy, design processes, implement best practice and leave your fingerprint on a business, this is exactly that opportunity

As U.S. Payroll Manager, you'll:

• Join during the strategic transition phase, working alongside senior leaders to design the future payroll operating model, support the separation from Rio Tinto and ensure the new organisation is Day One ready.#Help define processes, governance, systems, vendor relationships and controls before ultimately taking ownership of a world-class payroll function.
• Lead end-to-end U.S. payroll operations for a complex workforce while providing governance and oversight across domestic and international payroll providers.
• Initially, your focus will centre around transition planning, process mapping, payroll design, knowledge transfer, vendor management and payroll readiness before evolving into the long-term leader of the standalone payroll function.

We're looking for a Payroll Manager who has:

• Led complex U.S. payroll operations across multiple states (California experience highly desirable)
• Supported a major business transformation, carve-out, acquisition, integration, HRIS implementation or organisational change
• A passion for improving processes rather than simply maintaining them
• Experience partnering with HR, Finance, Benefits, IT and external payroll providers
• Strong payroll systems knowledge (SAP, ADP, UKG, Workday, Oracle or similar)
• Managed payroll within union and collective bargaining environments would be a bonus but not essential

Why join Rio Tinto Borates?

This is a business investing heavily in its future. You'll be joining at arguably the most exciting point in its history, where your experience and ideas will directly influence how payroll operates for years to come. You'll work alongside collaborative leaders who value continuous improvement, low egos and genuine teamwork, while having the autonomy to implement best practice and build a payroll function you're proud of.

Salary & Benefits:

• Base salary up to $161k + 15% bonus
• Hybrid working (Greater Los Angeles/Burbank – two days per week with flex)
• Outstanding long-term career opportunity
• The chance to build something that genuinely lasts

If you're a strategic U.S. Payroll Manager who enjoys solving complex challenges, driving transformation and wants to leave a legacy, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Round-Peg Solutions for a confidential discussion. All interviews will take place before the end of July 2026.