SureWerx continues to grow, and as a result, we are looking for a Payroll and Benefits Manager, US. The Payroll and Benefits Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational management of all U.S payroll and benefits programs across multiple locations and states. This role oversees end-to-end payroll processing, benefits administration, payroll compliance, leave administrations, audits, vendor relationships, acquisition support, and continuous process improvement

Based at our US Headquarters in Elgin, IL, this is a full-time, hybrid position requiring a minimum of (3) days per week onsite. The position plays a critical role in supporting organizational growth, including the integration of newly acquired companies into payroll benefits, timekeeping and HRIS platforms.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Payroll Administration & Compliance

• Manage and execute end-to-end payroll processing for all U.S. employees across multiple states and locations.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of regular, off-cycle, bonus, commission and termination payrolls.
• Oversee payroll tax compliance, wage and hour requirements, garnishments, state-specific regulations, and year-end reporting.
• Review and audit payroll transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Partner with Finance to ensure payroll reconciliations, funding requirements, accruals, and reporting are completed accurately.
• Manage payroll-related audits and support internal and external auditors as required.
• Ensure proper documentation, controls and payroll governance practices are maintained.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting payroll and recommend necessary process updates.
• Develop and maintain payroll standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and controls.
• Lead payroll system enhancements and process improvements to increase efficiency, capability and compliance.

Benefits Administration

• Manage all U.S. employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability and retirement plans.
• Serve as the primary liaison with brokers, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and other benefit vendors.
• Lead annual open enrollment activities, employee communications, education sessions, and system administration.
• Oversee benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, life events, COBRA administration, and employee inquiries.
• Reconcile benefit invoices, carrier billing statements, and payroll deductions to ensure accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA and other benefit-related regulations.

Acquisitions, Integrations & HRIS Management

• Serve as the Payroll and Benefits lead for mergers, acquisitions, and business integrations.
• Lead employee onboarding into payroll, benefits, timekeeping, and HRIS systems.
• Coordinate payroll setup, tax registrations, benefits eligibility, vendor transitions and employee communications.
• Ensure successful transition of employees with minimal disruption to payroll and benefits services.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and employee service delivery.
• Serve as the business lead for payroll and benefits related projects, upgrades and system enhancements.
• Partner with HRIS team to develop automated workflows, integrations, reporting capabilities, and process improvements.
• Serve as the subject matter expert and escalation point for complex payroll and benefits matters.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships across HR, Finance, Operations and executive leadership team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive payroll and benefits experience.
• Extensive experience processing end-to-end, multi-site, multi-state U.S. payrolls.
• Experience supporting both hourly and salaried employee populations.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, distribution, industrial, or multi-location organizations.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll platforms such as Paychex, Dayforce and HiBob preferred.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or business integrations.
• Expert knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations.
• Excellent analytical, auditing and reconciliation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.
• Strong customer service orientation and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Portuguese language skills are a plus.