U.S Payroll Director

TenCate Americas; Chattanooga (TN); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

TenCate is seeking a U.S. Payroll Director to lead accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across its U.S. businesses.

This leader will oversee multi-state payroll with a focus on union and construction payroll, partnering with HR, Finance, and operations. The role requires strategic and hands-on leadership, the ability to strengthen controls, streamline processes, and guide payroll technology improvements.

Qualifications

• Progressive U.S. payroll experience across multi-state operations.
• Direct experience with union and construction payroll and related reporting.
• Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and taxes.
• Ability to lead a payroll team and manage competing deadlines.
• Strong analytical, communication, problem-solving, and process-improvement skills.
• Onsite presence in Chattanooga a minimum of three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end U.S. payroll across multiple entities and jurisdictions, ensuring accurate, timely processing and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee union and construction payroll requirements, including collective bargaining agreements, union deductions, fringe benefits, and applicable certified or prevailing-wage reporting.
• Manage payroll tax compliance, wage and hour requirements, reconciliations, audits, reporting, and internal controls.
• Lead, develop, and support the payroll team while establishing consistent processes, accountability, and service standards.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, IT, and business leaders to resolve complex payroll matters and support operational needs.
• Identify opportunities to standardize and improve payroll workflows, reporting, data integrity, and cross-entity processes.
• Support or lead payroll and HRIS implementations, integrations, conversions, testing, and ongoing system optimization.
• Coordinate payroll-related benefit deductions and reporting, including 401(k) contributions and vendor interfaces, as applicable.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Multi-state payroll

Union payroll

Regulatory compliance

HRIS experience

Team leadership

Job description

U.S. Payroll Director

Company TenCate

Location Chattanooga, TN | Hybrid – minimum 3 days onsite per week

About Us

TenCate is a global leader in high-performance, sustainable artificial turf systems. With more than 300 years of textile expertise and a presence in over 60 countries, we provide innovative solutions for sports, landscaping, and outdoor living.

With nearly 5,000 employees worldwide, we combine global reach with local expertise. Our vertically integrated model spans the entire value chain - from R&D and yarn production to installation and end-of-life recycling - ensuring full control over quality, innovation, and sustainability. We work closely with a network of experienced local partners who bring deep knowledge and tailored solutions to every project.

Our Center for Turf Innovation drives continuous R&D, blending biomechanics, movement science, and elite athlete testing to push the boundaries of turf performance. Our portfolio includes turf, lighting, tracks, and complementary systems for football, baseball, field hockey, American football, golf, and community recreation.

Sustainability is woven into everything we do. We pioneer circular turf technologies, including infill-free and single-polymer solutions, and continually work to reduce environmental impact across the product lifecycle.

Position Summary

TenCate is seeking a U.S. Payroll Director to lead accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across its U.S. businesses. This leader will oversee complex multi-state payroll processes, with a particular focus on union and construction payroll, and partner closely with Human Resources, Finance, and operational teams. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, with the ability to strengthen controls, streamline processes, and support payroll and HR technology improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end U.S. payroll operations across multiple entities and jurisdictions, ensuring accurate, timely processing and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee union and construction payroll requirements, including collective bargaining agreements, union deductions, fringe benefits, and applicable certified or prevailing-wage reporting.
• Manage payroll tax compliance, wage and hour requirements, reconciliations, audits, reporting, and internal controls.
• Lead, develop, and support the payroll team while establishing consistent processes, accountability, and service standards.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, IT, and business leaders to resolve complex payroll matters and support operational needs.
• Identify opportunities to standardize and improve payroll workflows, reporting, data integrity, and cross-entity processes.
• Support or lead payroll and HRIS implementations, integrations, conversions, testing, and ongoing system optimization.
• Coordinate payroll-related benefit deductions and reporting, including 401(k) contributions and vendor interfaces, as applicable.

Required Qualifications

• Significant progressive U.S. payroll experience, including leadership of complex, multi-state payroll operations.
• Direct experience with both union and construction payroll, including applicable labor agreements and construction-related payroll requirements.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, payroll taxes, compliance, and audit practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a payroll team, manage competing deadlines, and work effectively with Finance and HR stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, communication, problem-solving, and process-improvement skills.
• Ability to work onsite in Chattanooga a minimum of three days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or participating in HRIS and payroll system implementations, migrations, integrations, or consolidations.
• Experience with 401(k) payroll deductions, contribution reconciliation, and retirement-plan interfaces.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience supporting payroll across multiple companies, business units, or construction-related operations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

TenCate is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.