Payroll Manager

We are seeking a Payroll  Manager based to join the North American Total Rewards team.  This position is completely onsite and can be based in our office in Milton, ON or in Chicago, IL.

Ready to help build a better future for generations to come?

In an ever-changing, fast paced world, we owe it to ourselves and our future generations to live life responsibly.  At ROCKWOOL, we work relentlessly to enrich modern living through our innovative stone wool solutions.

Join us and make a difference!

Your future team:

You will be part of a nine-member Total Rewards team, reporting to the Director of Total Rewards, and will lead a team of three direct reports.

What you will be doing:

The North America Payroll Manager leads payroll operations across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while driving payroll transformation and process improvements. This role oversees payroll systems, vendor relationships, technology implementations, and a high-performing payroll team. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Dayforce and ADP Workforce Now (WFN), complex multi-jurisdiction payrolls, and global mobility/shadow payroll administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations for U.S. and Canadian employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on-time processing.

• Oversee all payroll activities, including payroll calculations, tax compliance, garnishments, benefits and retirement deductions, payroll accounting, reconciliations, and off-cycle payments.

• Drive payroll transformation initiatives, including process redesign, automation, system optimization, and operational excellence.

• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert for Dayforce and ADP Workforce Now (WFN) implementations, upgrades, testing, integrations, and post-go-live support.

• Partner with HR, HRIS, Finance, Benefits, Accounting, and external vendors to implement and optimize payroll technology solutions.

• Manage payroll system configurations, user acceptance testing (UAT), parallel payroll testing, and production validation.

• Oversee payroll vendors and ensure service delivery, compliance, and continuous improvement.

• Administer shadow payroll for internationally mobile employees, partnering with Global Mobility, Tax, and external providers to ensure accurate cross-border payroll and tax reporting.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable payroll legislation across the U.S., Canada, and international assignments, while proactively implementing legislative updates.

• Establish and maintain payroll controls, policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and audit processes to mitigate risk.

• Manage payroll calendars, year-end activities, statutory reporting (including W-2s and T4s), and payroll-related reporting and analytics.

• Oversee payroll-related timekeeping and HRIS integrations to ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.

• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Accounting, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field.

• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility within a complex corporate environment.

• Demonstrated experience managing multi-state U.S. and Canadian payroll operations.

• Hands-on experience implementing and supporting Dayforce and ADP Workforce Now (WFN) Payroll.

• Experience managing payroll system conversions, upgrades, integrations, and optimization projects.

• Experience administering shadow payroll for expatriates and internationally mobile employees.

• Strong understanding of U.S. and Canadian payroll legislation, taxation, wage and hour regulations, garnishments, and statutory reporting.

• Experience supporting controls, payroll audits, and compliance programs.

• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, general ledger interfaces, reconciliations, and financial reporting.

• Experience partnering with HRIS, Finance, Tax, Benefits, Global Mobility, and IT teams.

What we offer:

• Competitive Pay & Benefits from Day 1:  Comprehensive medical, dental, massage therapy, and vision plans.

• Retirement Pension Matching Program

• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, paid holidays, and top up plans for maternity and paternity leave.

• Educational Assistance & Career Growth: Invest in your future.

• Wellness Perks: Fitness reimbursement and EAP access.

• Safety First: Company-provided PPE and programs to keep you protected

The annual salary range for this role is $130,000 - $140,000. Your base salary is determined based on location, experience and the pay of employees in similar positions.

Who we are:

We are the world leader in stone wool solutions. Founded in 1937 in Denmark, we transform volcanic rock into safe, sustainable products that help people and communities thrive.  We are a global company with 12,000 employees, located in 37 countries with 36 manufacturing facilities, all focused on one common purpose – to release the natural power of stone to enrich modern living.  Sustainability is central to our business strategy.  Through our partnership with One Ocean Foundation and in connection with our sponsorship of the Denmark SailGP team, we help raise awareness around ocean health challenges in an effort to accelerate solutions to protect it.  

Work Environment & Conditions:

Our offices are designed to inspire collaboration, creativity, and meaningful social interactions., empowering employees to achieve balance and bring their best selves to work.  ROCKWOOL is deeply committed to giving back to our communities. Through global philanthropic initiatives, community involvement, and sustainability efforts, we strive to create a positive impact in the communities we serve. 

Our Culture and Commitment:

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  With employees representing 91 nationalities, we champion diversity, provide equal opportunities, and actively combat all forms of discrimination.  At ROCKWOOL, you'll find a welcoming team environment built on what we proudly call “The ROCKWOOL Way”.  This cultural foundation reflects our core values:  ambition, responsibility, integrity and efficiency.

ROCKWOOL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We assess all qualified candidates based solely on their skills and qualifications, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.