Payroll Manager

We are looking for an accomplished Payroll Manager to oversee a high-volume, highly regulated payroll operation supporting a diverse hourly workforce in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This Long-term Contract position is ideal for a leader who brings deep experience with union payroll, prevailing wage requirements, and multi-state compliance in skilled trades or construction environments. The role will guide payroll strategy and day-to-day execution, strengthen processes for growth, and partner across teams to build a scalable and reliable payroll function.

Responsibilities:

• Direct weekly payroll operations for hourly employees across multiple business entities, ensuring every payroll cycle is completed accurately, on schedule, and in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Lead and develop a payroll team, setting priorities, improving accountability, and creating efficient workflows that support a complex union and non-union workforce.
• Oversee payroll administration tied to numerous collective bargaining agreements, including proper handling of union deductions, fringe benefit calculations, and required reporting.
• Manage multi-state payroll compliance, including prevailing wage obligations and labor-related reporting requirements associated with construction and skilled trades employees.
• Review and strengthen payroll procedures, controls, and documentation to improve accuracy, reduce risk, and support long-term operational scalability.
• Serve as the primary owner of the payroll technology environment, helping optimize system performance, resolve process gaps, and support future enhancements or implementations.
• Partner with HR, finance, operations, and compliance stakeholders to address payroll issues, interpret labor requirements, and align payroll practices with business needs.
• Support organizational growth initiatives by contributing payroll expertise to acquisitions, onboarding of new entities, and expansion into additional geographic markets.