Payroll Manager

Rio Tinto; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive bonus

Health programs

401k matching

Share ownership plan

Job summary

Rio Tinto is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations and establish strong global payroll governance across a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment. The role is based in California within a hybrid delivery model, supporting local execution and global oversight.

With 7–10+ years in U.S. payroll and 3–5+ years in leadership, you will drive process improvements, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage payroll systems and vendor relationships in a dynamic, world‑class

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of experience in U.S. payroll, including 3–5+ years in a leadership role managing payroll operations
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and compliance requirements (California experience is an asset)
• Experience in complex environments such as unionized, industrial, manufacturing, or mining sectors
• Proven experience with payroll systems and integrations (e.g., ADP, Workday, SAP, UKG, Oracle)

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the full payroll lifecycle, from timekeeping inputs through to net pay, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
• Leading the design and implementation of payroll operating models, including processes, controls, and service delivery frameworks
• Ensuring compliance with all applicable payroll regulations, including multi-state and statutory requirements, while maintaining audit readiness
• Establishing and enforcing global payroll governance standards to ensure alignment across regions and vendors
• Managing payroll systems, integrations, and vendor relationships to support seamless data flows and operational efficiency
• Partnering with HR, Finance, and IT to enhance payroll accuracy, drive continuous improvement, and resolve issues effectively
• Leading payroll transition initiatives, including system implementations, parallel testing, and post-implementation stabilization
• Building, coaching, and developing a high-performing payroll team while supporting a scalable, stand-alone operating model

Skills

Payroll management

Multi-state payroll

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Systems integrations

People leadership

Education

CPP designation (preferred)

Tools

ADP

Workday

SAP

UKG

Oracle

Job description

Be part of a group that is safety driven and values inclusion

Join a leading global company offering strong career development opportunities

For California based roles the expected salary range is $130,000 - $154,000

Role based in Greater Los Angeles Area

We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values - care, courage and curiosity - guide how we work and how we treat each other.

About The Role

We are looking for a Payroll Manager to lead and optimize end‑to‑end payroll operations while establishing strong global payroll governance across a complex, multi‑jurisdictional environment.

This is a great opportunity for a results‑driven and detail‑oriented professional to design, stabilize during transition, and elevate payroll processes within a global organization. This role offers the opportunity to operate in a dynamic environment, supporting both local payroll execution and global oversight in a hybrid delivery model.

Reporting to the Manager Human Resources and working in a collaborative and fast‑paced environment within the Human Resources team, you will be

• Overseeing the full payroll lifecycle, from timekeeping inputs through to net pay, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
• Leading the design and implementation of payroll operating models, including processes, controls, and service delivery frameworks
• Ensuring compliance with all applicable payroll regulations, including multi‑state and statutory requirements, while maintaining audit readiness
• Establishing and enforcing global payroll governance standards to ensure alignment across regions and vendors
• Managing payroll systems, integrations, and vendor relationships to support seamless data flows and operational efficiency
• Partnering with HR, Finance, and IT to enhance payroll accuracy, drive continuous improvement, and resolve issues effectively
• Leading payroll transition initiatives, including system implementations, parallel testing, and post‑implementation stabilization
• Building, coaching, and developing a high‑performing payroll team while supporting a scalable, stand‑alone operating model

About You

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
• 7–10+ years of experience in U.S. payroll, including 3–5+ years in a leadership role managing payroll operations
• Strong knowledge of multi‑state payroll regulations and compliance requirements (California experience is considered an asset)
• Experience working in complex environments such as unionized, industrial, manufacturing, or mining sectors
• Proven experience with payroll systems and integrations (e.g., ADP, Workday, SAP, UKG, Oracle)
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or equivalent
• Experience supporting divestment, transformation, or stand‑alone payroll setup
• Exposure to global payroll governance or multi‑country payroll operations

What We Offer

Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
• Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
• Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program.
• Attractive share ownership plan.
• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
• A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new family.
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challenges.

Where you’ll be working

Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We supply approximately 25% of the world’s demand for refined borates, minerals essential to life and modern living. We seek to create mutual value by working closely with our investment partners and host communities. Our 20 Mule Team Borax brand pays tribute to our first borates mining operation in Death Valley in 1H872.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http //www.ucis.gov/ for more information.