Strategic Payroll Leader – Hybrid, Multi-State & Team

Socotra, Inc.; Waltham (MA); On-site; 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

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.