Director, Payroll

W.W. Grainger - Lake Forest, IL

Full-time - Senior

Lake Forest, IL

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

The Director of Payroll is responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll delivery and compliance for North America, including regular payroll, variable pay programs, foreign assignment payroll, garnishments, and payroll tax. This role involves providing payroll support to international businesses, ensuring compliance with regulations, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance payroll processes. The position requires strategic leadership and collaboration with various teams to drive payroll integration during M&A projects and improve payroll policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Create the vision and strategy of the Payroll function
• Lead accurate and timely execution of all payroll activities, including payroll tax payments and filings, and customer support of varying complexity
• Apply and support global taxation in support for expat/inpat team member assignments
• Provide oversight for 3rd party vendors to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance in multiple countries
• Monitor and drive quick resolution of payroll issues, including garnishments, taxes, and time & attendance issues
• Create or define required reporting, analysis, and audits for all internal and external parties
• Participate in cross-functional M&A projects, leading payroll integration efforts
• Review and improve payroll policies and procedures, interpreting new legislation impacting payroll
• Provide leadership and guidance to leaders and team members, assign performance objectives and support team development
• Oversee the execution of payroll special events/activities, such as year-end processing and special payments
• Review and analyze current payroll, deductions, and tax procedures to recommend and implement changes for best practices

Requirements

• 7+ years HR leadership experience, ideally across HR and Payroll functions
• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Strong management skills with a thorough understanding of Local, State, and Federal payroll laws and taxes
• Experience managing information systems to support business processes
• Demonstrated experience directly managing a team
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficient in HR processes and technology applications
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Demonstrates high standards of personal and business ethics and conduct
• SAP HR experience
• Experience in project management and planning, with the ability to prioritize projects

Nice-to-haves

• Proficient in Word and Excel

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and 6 company holidays per year
• Automatic 6% 401(k) company contribution each pay period
• Employee discounts
• Parental leave
• 3:1 match on donations
• Tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive emotional, financial, physical, and social well-being programs