Payroll Manager

Socotra, Inc.; Waltham (MA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive culture

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Paid volunteer time off

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Welch's is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery for employees across multiple states and locations. The role partners with HR, Finance, Legal, Benefits, and plant leadership to ensure payroll excellence.

Based at our Waltham, MA headquarters, this position follows a hybrid model with in-office Mon–Wed and remote Thu–Fri, with occasional travel to manufacturing locations. You will build a high-performing payroll team and drive process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership.
• Experience managing multi-state payroll for hourly and salaried employees; union payroll preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements, wage and hour laws.
• Experience with enterprise payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems; UKG experience is a plus.
• CPP designation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll process across multiple states and locations.
• Manage payroll operations for salaried, hourly, union, non-union, and seasonal staff across corporate and manufacturing locations.
• Coach and develop the payroll team; establish roles, service expectations, and performance measures.
• Review and approve payroll calculations, deductions, and earnings including taxes and benefits.
• Interpret and administer payroll provisions in collective bargaining agreements and laws.
• Own payroll tax compliance including filings and W-2s.
• Maintain payroll controls and audit-ready records; identify risks and corrective actions.
• Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll, tax, and GL accounts; support close activities.
• Serve as payroll SME for HRIS, timekeeping, and integrations; test system changes.
• Monitor data quality and resolve employee data issues before finalizing payroll.
• Build partnerships with HR, Benefits, Legal, Operations, and plant teams.
• Oversee payroll vendors and service levels; escalate issues as needed.
• Respond to employee questions with accuracy and confidentiality.
• Lead process improvements and automation to reduce manual work and improve accuracy.
• Develop and track payroll metrics and stay current on legislation.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Multi-state payroll

HRIS/timekeeping systems

Excel proficiency

Process improvement

Compliance knowledge

Union payroll experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR or related field

CPP designation preferred

Tools

UKG

Job description

Grow with Welch's!

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Position Summary:

We are looking for a Payroll Manager to lead the accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of payroll for Welch's employees across multiple states and locations. Reporting to the Director, People & Operations this role owns end-to-end payroll operations for union and non-union employees, leads and develops the payroll team, and partners closely with HR, Finance, Legal, Benefits, and plant leadership.

The Payroll Manager will balance hands-on operational leadership with continuous improvement. This person will strengthen controls, simplify processes, improve the employee experience, and use systems and data to make payroll more efficient, reliable, and scalable.

Where You'll Work

This role is based at our Waltham, Massachusetts headquarters and follows Welch's hybrid work model, with in-office requirement Monday through Wednesday and remote work Thursday and Friday. Occasional travel to Welch's manufacturing locations will be required.

What You'll Do:

• Professionalize the payroll function to be best in class through tools, systems and integrations with our vendors and internal stakeholders
• Lead the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Manage payroll operations for a multi-state workforce that includes salaried, hourly, union, non-union, and seasonal employees across corporate and manufacturing locations.
• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team, establishing clear roles, service expectations, performance measures, and cross-training to ensure strong coverage and continuity.
• Review and approve payroll calculations, adjustments, deductions, garnishments, taxes, benefit contributions, paid time off, shift premiums, overtime, bonuses, and other earnings.
• Interpret and administer payroll provisions in collective bargaining agreements, company policies, employment agreements, and applicable wage and hour laws.
• Own payroll tax compliance, including registrations, deposits, reconciliations, quarterly and annual filings, W-2 processing, amendments, notices, and agency inquiries.
• Maintain strong payroll controls, documentation, segregation of duties, and audit-ready records; identify risks and take prompt corrective action.
• Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll, tax, benefit, and general ledger accounts; investigate variances and support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert for HRIS, timekeeping, payroll, and related integrations; partner with HRIS and IT to test and implement system changes and enhancements.
• Monitor data quality and resolve issues involving employee records, time and attendance, pay rates, cost centers, deductions, and interfaces before payroll is finalized.
• Build effective partnerships with in HR including Benefits, Compensation and other key stakeholders in Finance, Legal, Operations, and plant teams to resolve issues and support business needs.
• Oversee payroll vendors and service providers, monitor service levels, and elevate issues to ensure timely resolution and strong accountability.
• Respond to employee questions with accuracy, empathy, confidentiality, and a strong service mindset.
• Lead process improvement and automation efforts that reduce manual work, strengthen accuracy, and make payroll easier for employees and leaders.
• Develop and track payroll metrics, including accuracy, timeliness, off-cycle activity, adjustments, service levels, and recurring root causes.
• Stay current on payroll legislation and regulatory changes, assess business impact, and implement required process or system updates.
• Support internal and external audits, workers' compensation audits, retirement plan testing, and other compliance reviews.

Who You Are:

• A trusted payroll leader who takes ownership, protects confidentiality, and delivers consistently accurate results.
• A systems thinker who looks beyond the immediate transaction to improve the process, control, and employee experience.
• Strong analytical leader with attention to detail and process
• A people leader who sets clear expectations, develops talent, and creates a collaborative, accountable team environment.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing attention to detail.
• A strong problem solver who can identify root causes, assess risk, and make sound decisions with incomplete or time-sensitive information.
• An effective communicator who can explain complex payroll topics clearly to employees, leaders, auditors, and business partners.
• Comfortable challenging the status quo and using data, technology, and automation to improve how work gets done.
• Calm, results orientated, responsive, and service-oriented, especially when resolving sensitive employee pay concerns.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 7 years of progressive payroll experience, including experience leading payroll operations and people.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-state payroll for hourly and salaried employees; manufacturing and union payroll experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements, wage and hour laws, garnishments, year-end processing, and payroll accounting.
• Experience with enterprise payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems; UKG experience is a plus.
• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to analyze, reconcile, and validate large data sets.
• Experience leading system implementations, upgrades, integrations, automation, or significant payroll process improvements preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential information with the highest level of discretion and integrity.

What You’ll Enjoy:

At Welch’s, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organization with a bold vision for the future and a culture built on collaboration, belonging, and impact. We offer a comprehensive rewards package designed to support your well-being, growth, and success, including:

• Inclusive culture: Join a workplace where you belong, are encouraged to share your voice, and have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself.
• Passionate community: Make an individual impact on the success of the business while working alongside colleagues who care deeply about what we do.
• Hybrid work model: Enjoy a flexible and collaborative work environment designed to support well-being, productivity, and connection.
• Paid time off and holidays: Take time away from work to rest, recharge, and focus on what matters most.
• Paid volunteer time off: Receive 40 hours of paid volunteer time annually for all non-union employees.
• Development and advancement: Access LinkedIn Learning, tuition reimbursement, and both formal and informal opportunities to grow your career.
• Competitive compensation: Receive a competitive base salary and annual incentive plan.
• 401(k) plan: Benefit from a generous company match to help support your financial future.
• Flexible benefits from day one: Choose benefits that meet your needs and preferences, including health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; life and accident insurance; Employee Assistance Programs; and additional savings through Perks at Work.
• Paid parental and adoption leave: Available after 6 months of employment.

Compensation

The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $125,000 to $135,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and represents Welch’s good faith estimate as of the date of this posting.

Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.

#LI-Hybrid

Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.