Payroll & Benefits Manager

We are looking for an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to oversee end-to-end payroll and benefit operations for a high-volume workforce in Illinois. This contract to hire position requires a hands-on, detail-oriented individual who can manage complex weekly and bi-weekly payroll activities, support employee benefits administration, and serve a manufacturing organization with accuracy and responsiveness. The ideal candidate is fluent in Spanish and English, brings strong knowledge of large-scale payroll processing, and is comfortable working with UKG Pro in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Direct the complete payroll cycle for a large employee population, ensuring timely and accurate processing across each pay period.
• Administer payroll activities spanning multiple states while maintaining compliance with applicable wage, tax, and reporting requirements.
• Handle daily payroll operations, including review of earnings, deductions, adjustments, and resolution of payroll discrepancies.
• Partner with internal teams to provide support related to employee benefits, deductions, and payroll-related inquiries.
• Assist HR in conducting the annual 401(k) audit and Form 5500 preparation.
• Use UKG Pro and related payroll tools to maintain records, validate data, and improve efficiency in payroll administration.
• Monitor payroll controls and documentation to support audit readiness, reporting accuracy, and policy adherence.
• Collaborate with HR and management in a manufacturing setting to address workforce changes that affect payroll processing.
• Communicate clearly with Spanish-speaking and English-speaking employees regarding payroll questions, policies, and issue resolution.