Payroll Manager
Rio Tinto • Chicago, IL • Full Time
Posted on Sat, Jun 6, 2026
Payroll Manager
Be part of a group that is safety driven and values inclusion
Join a leading global company offering strong career development opportunities
For Illinois based roles the expected salary range is $118,000 - $140,000
Role based in Chicago, IL
We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values - care, courage and curiosity - guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for a Payroll Manager to lead and optimize end‑to‑end payroll operations while establishing strong global payroll governance across a complex, multi‑jurisdictional environment.
This is a great opportunity for a results‑driven and detail‑oriented professional to design, stabilize during transition, and elevate payroll processes within a global organization. This role offers the opportunity to operate in a dynamic environment, supporting both local payroll execution and global oversight in a hybrid delivery model.
Reporting to the Manager Human Resources and working in a collaborative and fast‑paced environment within the Human Resources team, you will be:
Overseeing the full payroll lifecycle, from timekeeping inputs through to net pay, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
Leading the design and implementation of payroll operating models, including processes, controls, and service delivery frameworks
Ensuring compliance with all applicable payroll regulations, including multi‑state and statutory requirements, while maintaining audit readiness
Establishing and enforcing global payroll governance standards to ensure alignment across regions and vendors
Managing payroll systems, integrations, and vendor relationships to support seamless data flows and operational efficiency
Partnering with HR, Finance, and IT to enhance payroll accuracy, drive continuous improvement, and resolve issues effectively
Leading payroll transition initiatives, including system implementations, parallel testing, and post‑implementation stabilization
Building, coaching, and developing a high‑performing payroll team while supporting a scalable, stand‑alone operating model
About you
A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
7–10+ years of experience in U.S. payroll, including 3–5+ years in a leadership role managing payroll operations
Strong knowledge of multi‑state payroll regulations and compliance requirements (California experience is considered an asset)
Experience working in complex environments such as unionized, industrial, manufacturing, or mining sectors
Proven experience with payroll systems and integrations (e.g., ADP, Workday, SAP, UKG, Oracle)
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills
Preferred:
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or equivalent
Experience supporting divestment, transformation, or stand‑alone payroll setup
Exposure to global payroll governance or multi‑country payroll operations
What we offer
Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program.
Attractive share ownership plan.
Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new family.
Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challenges.
Where you’ll be working
Our Commercial function at Rio Tinto connects our product groups, customers and suppliers from mine to market. We bring together Sales & Marketing and Trading (Sell), Global Procurement (Buy), and Marine & Logistics (Move) to buy, sell and move the materials the world needs, by partnering across the value chain to optimise outcomes for our customers and the Group. Headquartered in our global Commercial hub in Singapore, and with a strong presence in Chicago, Frankfurt, Antwerp and across Asia in Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul, we work as one team to deliver customer centric value, safely and sustainably.
Join our downtown Chicago office. Easily accessible and close to decision‑makers across our key markets, you'll be able to support customers and suppliers deliver value across the Atlantic market.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.