North America Payroll Manager

Working collaboratively with PQs HR team leaders and employees this role is solely responsible for-to-end payroll administration for all North America employees across the US and Canada ensuring accurate timely payroll for union non-exempt and exempt populations across multiple states and provinces.  

In addition to payroll execution and compliance this position serves as a key owner of select HR technology platforms and workforce data reporting supporting HR processes such as performance management compensation planning workforce planning and employee lifecycle transactions. The role partners closely with HR leadership Finance and IT to ensure HR systems are optimized integrated secure and aligned with business needs. 

This position requires strong technical capability attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset. The successful candidate will demonstrate a persistent solution-based approach proactively identifying opportunities to improve payroll accuracy enhance system functionality and deliver meaningful workforce insights through analytics and reporting. 

Ideal candidates align with PQs Core Values of Integrity Sustainability People Customer Focus and Safety.  Successful employees embrace and model these values in their behaviors and actions.

Payroll Administration & Execution: 

• Manage all aspects of payroll for union and non-union employees in the U.S. and Canada including data entry for new hires terminations and updates.  

• Process payroll transactions including salaries bonuses commissions shift differentials retroactive pay benefits deductions garnishments taxes and other earnings/deductions. 

• Maintain payroll master data including new hires terminations job changes wage increases and employee status updates. 

• Partner with Benefits Manager on payroll-related benefits processing including disability pay coordination benefit deductions and vendor file reconciliation. 

• Prepare and process final paychecks terminations and off-cycle payrolls in compliance with applicable state and provincial regulations. 

• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert responsible for maintaining and continuously improving payroll procedures controls and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).  

Compliance Controls & Union Contract Administration: 

• Ensure compliance with federal state local and provincial wage and hour laws payroll regulations and company policies. 

• Administer payroll-related requirements within union contracts including shift premiums overtime rules and contract-driven wage increases. 

• Maintain strong internal payroll controls ensuring proper approvals documentation and audit readiness. 

• Stay current on payroll legislation and regulatory changes recommending process and system updates as needed. 

HR Technology & Systems Ownership 

• Serve as the primary HR functional owner for North America payroll and timekeeping systems (ADP Workforce Now and ADP Time & Attendance). 

• Provide support and functional administration for additional HR technology platforms supporting performance management compensation planning workforce planning and employee data management. 

• Support system configuration security roles workflow approvals and data governance to ensure accurate employee data and controlled access. 

• Lead system testing and validation for enhancements new features annual updates and process improvements ensuring minimal disruption to payroll and HR cycles. 

• Develop training materials and deliver training to HR team members plant administrators and managers on payroll timekeeping and related HR systems. 

• Maintain vendor relationships and serve as key contact for HR technology providers supporting issue resolution and continuous optimization. 

Workforce Analytics Reporting & KPI Management 

• Develop and maintain workforce dashboards and recurring reporting for payroll labor cost overtime trends absenteeism and turnover metrics. 

• Analyze payroll and timekeeping data to identify trends inefficiencies and compliance risks providing actionable insights to HR and leadership. 

• Provide accurate payroll and workforce data reporting to Finance and business leaders to support forecasting budgeting and workforce planning decisions. 

• Support HR leadership with analytics for annual cycles including merit compensation planning performance review processes and headcount reporting. 

• Ensure reporting accuracy through periodic audits and validation processes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Employee Support 

• Maintain high visibility and build strong working relationships with employees across all levels from plant and union employees to senior leadership. 

• Respond professionally and promptly to payroll inquiries resolving discrepancies and ensuring positive employee experience. 

• Communicate proactively with stakeholders regarding payroll schedules system changes and process updates. 

• Support HR communications and employee-facing guidance related to payroll HR technology tools and annual HR programs. 

Tax Compliance & Year-End Processing 

• Manage quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and ensure compliance with federal state local and provincial requirements. 

• Ensure accurate tax setup for new hires and employee transfers across jurisdictions. 

• Manage new tax jurisdiction setup and resolve tax amendments as required. 

• Respond to and resolve tax notices in partnership with ADP and internal stakeholders. 

• Ensure accurate year-end processing including W-2 and T-4 preparation and distribution. 

• Calculate and process imputed income for applicable fringe benefits ensuring proper tax reporting and compliance. 

• Support vendor file generation and reconciliation for 401(k) HSA and other benefit programs partnering with Benefits Manager and third-party vendors. 

Process Improvement & Continuous Improvement 

• Identify and implement improvements to payroll processes HR technology workflows reporting automation and data integrity practices. 

• Serve as a change agent recommending and driving best practices in payroll administration HRIS governance and system efficiency. 

• Participate in cross-functional projects supporting HR operations digital transformation and continuous improvement initiatives. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Comply with all environmental health safety regulations and company policies. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications :

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Business Administration Human Resources or related field 
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation 
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in payroll management with a focus on multi-state and Canadian operations. 
• Proven experience with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now or similar systems 
• Demonstrated experience with Time & Attendance systems preferably ADP 
• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation balancing internal control and payroll taxes. 
• Strong knowledge of federal state and local payroll laws and regulations in U.S. 
• Canadian payroll experience and knowledge preferred. 
• Experience managing payroll for union and non-union employees. 
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex payroll tax issues and compliance in both countries. 
• Experience in writing and updating payroll rules and Standard Operating Procedures. 
• Experience in process improvement and automation within payroll functions. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite particularly Excel (e.g. VLOOKUPs pivot tables) Word Outlook and Powerpoint. 
• Behavioral & Job Competencies (including leadership competencies) 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
• Demonstrate a self-starter mentality with the ability to effectively collaborate within a team driving initiatives forward while fostering a cooperative work environment. 
• Ability to lead complex projects with meticulous planning ensuring successful execution and alignment with organizational goals. 

Additional Information :

EHS Responsibilities

• Communicates promotes and personally demonstrates Safety/Health (including PQP Principles) as #1 priority
• Participation in risk assessment audits as applicable
• Understand PQ Principles (PQP) and how they are implemented in the site organization rules and procedures
• Completes HSE training requirements identified for the job in a timely manner

PQ is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability veteran status or any other legally protected characteristics. Click on the link to read Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (). For more information please review the link Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ().

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time