Payroll and Benefits Manager

About Our Client

Our client is a leading automotive parts distributor with a 50-year history of transformation, represented across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Through technological innovations, they are revolutionizing how complex vehicle repairs are performed, keeping the world moving.

Compensation: $120,000 - $135,000 Annually + 15% bonus

The Payroll & Benefits Manager oversees and administers the organization's employee benefits programs and relationships with payroll vendors and internal leaders, ensuring efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and a positive employee experience. This role manages benefits plans end-to-end, coordinates with vendors and insurance providers, and leverages HRIS data to optimize programs. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional who can align benefits strategy with organizational goals while supporting employee well-being and fostering positive employee relations.

As a Payroll & Benefits Manager, you will:

• Lead, coach, develop, and manage the Benefits & Payroll teams, setting clear priorities and engaging in consistent communication, performance expectations, and growth paths across both disciplines
• Build cross-functional teams to ensure 11 union and non-union payroll cycles in North America and Puerto Rico are executed accurately and on time
• Manage day-to-day resource allocation, hold regular one-on-ones, and conduct performance reviews
• Develop team members aligned with our mission, driving high-value outcomes
• Foster and lead a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Serve as the final review and approval on payroll runs, enforcing separation of duties and internal controls
• Oversee multi-jurisdiction payroll tax compliance, registrations, filings, reconciliations, and notice resolution in partnership with internal Total Rewards team members
• Identify and resolve root cause for escalated pay, tax, garnishment, and timekeeping issues
• Partner with Finance on payroll cost center alignment, reconciliation, and audit support
• Oversee benefits and 401(k) plan operations, annual open enrollment, plan testing, audits, and required filings
• Ensure timely, compliant administration of leaves of absence, disability, and workers’ compensation when those intersect payroll
• Own management-level relationships with carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators, holding vendors to service and cost commitments
• Partner with the Senior Total Rewards Specialist to drive benefits strategy, cost management, and team member education
• Ensure all payroll and benefits programs are in compliance with applicable federal, state, provincial, and local regulations
• Maintain documented, audit-ready SOPs and records across payroll and benefits
• Prepare reporting and analysis on payroll, benefits, and compliance metrics for board and leadership presentation
• Drive adoption of AI and automation, eliminating manual work and strengthening accuracy
• Analysis and reporting for M&A activity and greenfield locations may be required
• Other duties as assigned

As a Payroll & Benefits Manager, you have:

• Compliance knowledge: Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks across payroll and benefits, including FLSA, ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable DOL and IRS
• HRIS proficiency: Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as ADP and eTime
• AI proficiency: Successfully implemented GenAI and automation into your work and your team's work
• Payroll systems: Experience with payroll systems, including ADP and eTime
• Communication: Excellent communication skills for effective employee orientation and training sessions
• Negotiation: Negotiation skills for vendor contracts and service agreements
• Data analysis: Strong working knowledge of Excel with a high level of technical proficiency
• Project management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail

Preferred:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and/or CEBS, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR certification
• Experience supporting Canada and Puerto Rico payroll and benefits
• Experience with union environments
• Experience leading and managing payroll or benefits through acquisitions, system implementations, or process redesign
• Experience using AI tools (e.g., Claude) to automate or streamline payroll or HR workflows

Work Details

• Work Location: Hybrid in Walton Hills, OH — currently 3 days onsite with 1 day remote, transitioning to 4 days onsite with 1 day remote in 2027
• Placement Type: Direct Hire
• Estimated Schedule: Full-time

Employment Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship
• Successful completion of background checks, assessments, or screenings as required by our client

About Willory

Willory is the only staffing and consulting firm solely focused on HR and payroll. We connect exceptional talent with forward-thinking organizations, building relationships that advance careers and strengthen teams. Our purpose is to empower people — including the professionals who join our own team. If you are ready to grow in a role where your expertise in talent acquisition directly fuels the success of HR and payroll professionals across the country, we would love to hear from you.