As the Payroll Operations Lead, you will lead a team responsible for supporting payroll operations across Kellanova's U.S. manufacturing facilities, ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and collective bargaining agreements. This role combines people leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement to deliver a high-quality payroll experience for our manufacturing workforce. This role can be performed remotely in the United States where Kellanova operates. For individuals in the Battle Creek or Grand Rapids, MI areas, the position follows a flexible hybrid schedule with 5 days a month in the office.
Partnering closely with Payroll Processing, Labor Relations, Human Resources, and Plant Leadership teams, you will oversee payroll administration activities, support time and attendance processes through UKG, and drive improvements that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. You'll serve as a trusted leader and key partner in ensuring payroll operations run smoothly while supporting both business and employee needs.
A Taste of What You'll Be Doing- People Leadership - Direct and develop a team of 9-12 Plant Payroll Operations Specialists, ensuring payroll transactions and reconciliations are completed accurately, on time, and in compliance with collective bargaining agreements, payroll policies, and regulatory requirements.
- Pay Accuracy - Oversee payroll administration activities, including employee pay records, deductions, overpayment recovery, reconciliations, and third-party vendor payments, ensuring accurate and timely processing while maintaining payroll data integrity.
- Process Improvements - Identify opportunities to improve team efficiency, standardize processes, and strengthen controls. Support the implementation of benefit plan changes, collective bargaining agreement requirements, and regulatory updates while maintaining process documentation and desktop procedures.
- Team Development - Coach, train, and develop team members to ensure high levels of performance and service. Support onboarding, continuous learning, talent development, and succession planning initiatives across the Payroll Operations team.
- Payroll Integrity - Maintain oversight of PTO plans, payroll reconciliations, grievance and bonus payments, and employee payroll inquiries. Ensure payroll processes are executed accurately, consistently, and in accordance with company policies and compliance standards.
We're Looking for Someone With- High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
- Payroll processing and payroll operations experience, including experience leading teams and driving operational excellence.
- Demonstrated people leadership skills with a proven ability to develop talent, manage performance, and lead through change.
- Knowledge of U.S. payroll practices, payroll compliance requirements, employee benefits administration, and collective bargaining agreements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple stakeholder groups.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Experience handling confidential payroll, benefits, and employee information with professionalism and discretion.
- Flexibility to work additional hours during payroll processing periods and peak business cycles as needed.
CompensationThe annual salary range is $86,200-$108,400, which is based on various factors such as location, experience and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.
What's NextApplications for this position will be accepted through November 30th, 2026. After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. If you join our team, you'll be rewarded for the difference you make. Our comprehensive benefits offer you the support you need through your life events, big or small. All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States. Kellanova does not sponsor employment visas for this role.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short-term disability coverage, and long-term disability insurance. Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions is available. Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more information.
