Payroll Manager

• For Illinois based roles the expected salary range is $118,000 - $140,000

• Role based in Chicago, IL

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.