Senior Payroll Manager – Hybrid, Multi-State

Welch's; Waltham (IL); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive compensation

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Paid parental and adoption leave

Job summary

Welch's is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead accurate, timely payroll for our multi-state workforce across corporate and manufacturing locations. You will manage the payroll team, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, and partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and plant leadership.

The role balances hands-on leadership with continuous improvement, strengthening controls, simplifying processes, and leveraging data to scale payroll operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience including leading payroll operations and people.
• Experience managing multi-state payroll for hourly and salaried employees; manufacturing and union payroll preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements and wage-hour laws.
• Experience with enterprise payroll systems and system implementations.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll process for multi-state workforce including salaried, hourly, union, non-union, and seasonal staff.
• Ensure accurate, on-time payroll delivery compliant with applicable laws.
• Develop payroll team, establish service expectations, and drive cross-training.
• Oversee payroll calculations, deductions, taxes, and benefits contributions.
• Maintain audit-ready payroll controls and documentation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Process improvement

People leadership

Detail-oriented

Strong communication

Discretion/confidentiality

Education

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

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred

Tools

UKG payroll

HRIS

Timekeeping systems

Excel

Job description

Welch's is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead accurate, timely payroll for our multi-state workforce across corporate and manufacturing locations. You will manage the payroll team, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, and partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and plant leadership.

The role balances hands-on leadership with continuous improvement, strengthening controls, simplifying processes, and leveraging data to scale payroll operations.