Payroll Operations Manager

Bath & Body Works; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase program

Paid time off & parental leave

Wellness center & onsite pharmacy

Tuition reimbursement & scholarships

Merchandise discount

Job summary

Bath & Body Works is seeking a Payroll Operations Manager to lead all payroll activities for a diverse workforce, including multi-state and international employees. The role partners with HR, Finance, and external vendors to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.

A focus on process improvement, controls, and system integrations is central to success. The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of payroll management, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of payroll systems, with an

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of progressive payroll management experience
• Experience with multi-state and international payroll tax compliance
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems and integrations
• Proven leadership of large teams and complex operations
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving and communication skills
• Experience driving process improvements and automation initiatives

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state and international employees
• Manage payroll systems, controls, and compliance requirements
• Lead payroll team performance and development
• Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, Tax and vendors
• Drive automation and efficiency improvements in payroll operations
• Support audits and maintain internal controls
• Resolve system issues and implement enhancements
• Prepare budget forecasting and variance analysis for payroll

Skills

Payroll management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Process improvement

Automation initiatives

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

CPA/MBA/CPP preferred

Tools

Oracle Cloud

ADP Smart Compliance

SAP Financials

Job description

At Bath & Body Works, we believe everybody deserves to feel good. When you join us, you’re part of more than an iconic fragrance and personal care brand — you become part of Gingham Nation, where people are at the center of everything we do. We believe great associate experiences create great consumer experiences. When our associates feel supported, inspired and empowered, consumers feel it. Whether you’re starting your career or building your next chapter, we invest in your growth so you can learn, lead and help create feel good moments every day. The Payroll Operations Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all payroll operations to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for employees. This role manages payroll systems, processes, controls, compliance requirements, and payroll team performance while partnering with Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, Tax, and external vendors. The Payroll Operations Manager drives process improvements, ensures regulatory compliance, and delivers a high-quality employee payroll experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state and international employees, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on schedule
• Oversee payroll activities including earnings, deductions, garnishments, taxes, bonuses, commissions and off-cycle payments and serve as a functional owner of payroll systems and related integrations
• Ensure accurate and timely general ledger interfaces and financial reconciliations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and support internal/external audits.
• Drive automation and process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Manage vendor relationships (ADP, Equifax, relocation partners) and system integrations and monitor payroll service-level agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics
• Support annual budget planning, forecasting, and variance analysis for payroll operations.
• Identify and implement best practices in payroll governance and compliance while ensuring compliance with federal, state and local payroll tax regulations and labor laws and maintaining knowledge of changing payroll legislation and implement required process updates
• Ensure proper record retention and documentation practices.
• Mitigate payroll-related risks through strong controls and governance processes.
• Lead, coach, and develop payroll specialists and payroll analysts and foster a culture of accountability, customer service, continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Manage staffing, workload distribution, and succession planning within the payroll function.
• Partner with HRIS, IT, Finance, and vendors to resolve system issues and implement enhancements
• Support payroll system upgrades, testing, implementation, and change management activities and identify opportunities for automation and process improvement to increase efficiency and reduce risk
• 5+ years of progressive payroll management experience, including multi-state and international payroll tax compliance.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems (Oracle Cloud, ADP Smart Compliance, SAP Financials).
• Proven leadership experience managing large teams and complex operations.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Expertise in process improvement and automation initiatives.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA/MBA/CPP preferred.

Core Competencies

• Drives Results
• Action Oriented
• Collaborates
• Decision Making
• Nimble Learning

Benefits

• Robust medical, dental, vision and pharmacy coverage. Plus, access to our onsite wellness center and pharmacy located at the Columbus, OH home office.
• No-cost mental health and well-being support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401k with company match and Associate Stock Purchase program with discount.
• Opportunity for paid time off, paid parental leave and access to family building benefits.
• Home, auto and pet insurance and a company-provided Care.com subscription.
• Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for post‑secondary education.
• Enjoy complimentary products and a 40% merchandise discount so you can experience and share the brand you love.
• Visit bbwbenefits.com for more details.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws. Please see links: Los Angeles Fair Chance In Hiring Ordinance, Philadelphia Fair Chance Law, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not make employment decisions based on an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status, and we comply with all laws concerning nondiscriminatory employment practices. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for associates and job applicants with disabilities. Our management team is dedicated to ensuring fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, associate activities and general treatment during employment. We only hire individuals authorized for employment in the United States.

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Category: Human Resources