Payroll Manager

Network Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 750,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Recruitment is seeking an experienced National Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across multiple regions and Distribution Centres nationwide.

The role requires strong governance, compliance, and leadership to ensure accurate processing, reporting, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in HR, Payroll, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3-5 years' relevant HR/Payroll management experience.
• Proven experience leading HR/Payroll teams in multi-site FMCG/logistics/retail environments.
• Experience managing both monthly and bi-weekly payroll processes.
• Strong understanding of payroll controls, governance, reconciliation, and compliance.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with payroll systems, ESS platforms, and time-and-attendance systems.
• Knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practices.
• Strong administrative, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end monthly and bi-weekly payroll for a large employee base.
• Review, validate, and approve payroll inputs and submissions within timelines.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations, exception reporting, and payroll audits.
• Resolve complex payroll queries and implement preventative controls.
• Maintain payroll records per policy and legislative requirements.
• Maintain strong payroll controls, approvals, and audit trails.

Skills

Payroll management

Governance & compliance

Team leadership

Excel proficiency

Time & attendance

Education

Degree in HR/Payroll/Finance

Tools

Payroll systems

ESS platforms

Time-and-attendance systems

Job description

Are you a payroll professional with a strong background in high-volume payroll processing, payroll governance, reconciliations, and team leadership? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where accuracy, compliance, and service delivery are non-negotiable?

A leading organisation within the FMCG and distribution sector is seeking an experienced National Payroll Manager to lead and oversee payroll operations across multiple regions and Distribution Centres nationwide.

This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing, strengthening payroll controls, managing payroll teams, driving continuous improvement, and serving as the escalation point for complex payroll matters. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining payroll integrity and supporting the business through effective payroll governance and reporting.

Key Requirements:

Payroll Management & Control

Manage the end-to-end monthly and bi-weekly payroll process for a large employee base. Review, validate, and approve payroll inputs, adjustments, and submissions. Ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and within agreed timelines. Oversee payroll reconciliations, exception reporting, salary journals, and payroll audits. Resolve complex payroll queries and implement preventative controls to minimise recurring issues. Ensure payroll records are maintained in accordance with company policies and legislative requirements.

Payroll Governance & Compliance

Maintain strong payroll controls, approval processes, and audit trails. Ensure compliance with SARS, UIF, labour legislation, and internal governance requirements. Manage annual payroll processes, including EMP201s, EMP501 reconciliations, IRP5 submissions, and year-end reporting. Support internal and external audits by providing accurate payroll documentation and evidence.

Multi-Site Payroll Oversight

Review and consolidate payroll submissions from multiple Distribution Centres and regions. Verify new appointments, terminations, salary changes, allowances, deductions, leave adjustments, and overtime claims. Investigate payroll variances and exceptions before final payroll sign-off. Ensure terminated employees are correctly removed from payroll and benefits structures.

Overtime, Time & Attendance Management

Review and approve overtime submissions in line with company policy and labour legislation. Validate hours worked against approved timesheets, clocking systems, and attendance records. Analyse overtime trends and provide recommendations to improve efficiencies and control costs.

Payroll Team Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop payroll administrators nationally. Allocate workloads and monitor payroll service delivery standards. Conduct regular coaching, performance reviews, and training initiatives. Build business continuity through cross-training and succession planning.

Payroll Reporting & Continuous Improvement

Generate and analyse payroll reports, headcount reports, overtime trends, leave reports, and exception analysis. Maintain payroll procedures, SOPs, and process documentation. Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and efficiencies. Partner with HR, Finance, and operational management to support business objectives.

Job Experience and Skills Required:

• Degree in Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Business Administration , or a related field.
• 3 - 5 years' relevant experience within HR and Payroll management.
• Proven experience leading HR and Payroll teams within a multi-site, distribution, FMCG, logistics, retail, or operational environment .
• Demonstrated experience managing both monthly and bi-weekly payroll processes.
• Strong understanding of payroll controls, governance, reconciliation, and compliance requirements.
• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience working with payroll systems, ESS platforms, and time-and-attendance systems.
• Sound knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practices.
• Strong administrative, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.