Manager Payroll

Rexel USA is one of the largest distributors of electrical products, data communication, wireless communication and related supplies in the United States. Rexel USA operates its electrical distribution business through eight Regions under various banner and trade names, including Rexel, Rexel Automation, Gexpro, Mayer, Talley and Platt Electric Supply. With an online store and a network of over 460 warehouse storefront locations nationwide, we serve customers across the U.S.

About the role

We are seeking a Manager, Payroll to lead the end-to-end payroll function for a complex, high-volume, multi-state organization of 8,000+ employees across all 50 states. This role ensures payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations while leading and developing a high-performing payroll team. The Manager, Payroll brings deep expertise in payroll tax, garnishments, multi-state payroll compliance, and mergers and acquisitions, including managing multiple concurrent payroll integrations. This leader will be both strategic and hands-on, partnering closely with the team to enhance processes, improve automation, and drive continuous improvement across payroll operations. The role also plays a key part in integrating newly acquired businesses into payroll operations, supporting compliance, minimizing disruption, and building scalable, efficient processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end payroll operations for a workforce of 8,000+ employees across all 50 states.
• Oversee payroll processing to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serve as the subject matter expert in payroll tax, wage and hour requirements, garnishments, levies, and multi-state payroll administration.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll-related laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and audits.
• Manage payroll tax filings, reconciliations, year-end processing, and issue resolution in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee administration of employee garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other involuntary deductions.
• Evaluate, optimize, and enhance payroll processes, controls, workflows, and system functionality to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities and process improvements to modernize payroll operations.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll procedures, controls, and standard operating practices.
• Monitor payroll metrics and team performance to ensure service excellence and operational effectiveness.
• Lead payroll audits, compliance reviews, and internal control initiatives.
• Manage payroll system updates, testing, implementations, and process changes as needed.
• Lead payroll-related integration activities for mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence, onboarding, payroll system alignment, tax setup, and process transition planning.
• Manage multiple simultaneous payroll integrations tied to acquisitions, ensuring timelines, compliance requirements, and business continuity are successfully maintained.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, IT, and business leaders during acquisition activity to support employee transitions and payroll operational readiness.
• Assess acquired company payroll practices, systems, controls, and compliance risks, and develop integration plans that align with enterprise standards.
• Act as a hands-on leader who can step into day-to-day operations when necessary while maintaining a strategic perspective.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a large payroll team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, training, and career development opportunities to grow team capability and build bench strength.
• Establish clear goals and expectations while promoting high performance and employee engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including significant leadership experience managing payroll teams in a large, complex organization.
• Proven experience managing payroll for an organization with 8,000+ employees and employees in all 50 states.
• Strong expertise in multi-state payroll, payroll tax compliance, garnishments, and payroll regulations.
• Demonstrated M&A payroll integration experience, including leading multiple simultaneous acquisitions and payroll transitions.
• Experience improving payroll processes, strengthening controls, and implementing automation and operational efficiencies.
• Demonstrated proficiency with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, analytical tools, and advanced Excel, with the ability to interpret data, generate meaningful insights, and support operational decision-making.
• Experience with payroll audits, reconciliations, year-end activities, and compliance reporting.
• ADP Enterprise experience preferred.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.
• High School diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.

Skills

• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with experience guiding and developing payroll team members.
• Ability to operate effectively as both a strategic leader and a hands-on contributor.
• Strong process improvement mindset with the ability to assess workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement scalable solutions.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, stakeholders, and M&A integrations simultaneously.
• Proven ability to assess inherited payroll operations, identify risks, and execute successful integration strategies.
• Demonstrated success leading large teams and developing talent in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and timekeeping systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to partner effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic planning and operational execution.
• Exceptional customer service skills and ability to professionally manage escalations and sensitive issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and risk identification.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain payroll concepts clearly to non-payroll partners and leadership.
• High level of discretion with confidential and sensitive information.

Physical Demands

• Sit: Must be able to remain in a stationary position – Constantly (at least 51% of the time).
• Walk: Must be able to move about inside/outside office or work location – Occasionally (up to 20% of the time).
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel: Operates a computer and other office machinery – Constantly (at least 51% of the time).
• Weight and Force Demands: Up to 10 pounds – Occasionally (up to 20% of the time).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401K with Employer Match
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid company holidays plus flexible personal days per year
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health & Wellness Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• HSA Accounts
• Commuter Transit Benefits
• Additional Optional Insurance (e.g., Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, Critical Illness, Home and Auto Insurance)
• Employee Discount Programs
• Professional Training & Development Programs
• Career Advancement Opportunities – promotion from within encouraged