Payroll Lead - Madison, WI

About the role

At Wis-Pak, we're more than a manufacturer. We're the force behind some of the most recognized beverage brands in the country, including Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Lipton Iced Tea, Aquafina, Klarbrunn, Vita Ice, and Bubbl'r. As one of the nation's largest independent beverage bottlers, we're proud of our heritage and driven by an ambitious vision: to become the largest independent bottler in the industry. Unlike many manufacturing organizations focused solely on cost and profit, we take a broader view of success. We are committed to creating long-term shareholder value through operational excellence, innovation, strategic growth, and a culture that values and develops our people.

The Payroll Lead is responsible for leading payroll operations for a multi-state workforce of hourly manufacturing and salaried employees. This role oversees the accurate and timely processing of payroll, leads a team of two (2) payroll professionals, and serves as the organization's subject matter expert for payroll compliance, taxation, systems, controls, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position is based in our Windsor, Wisconsin office, conveniently located near Madison, WI. Team members enjoy a hybrid work environment that combines the benefits of in-person collaboration with workplace flexibility, working onsite four days per week and remotely one day per week. Our ideal candidate combines strong technical payroll expertise with a service-oriented leadership style and a passion for continuous improvement. This individual will partner closely with Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, and Operations to ensure payroll and related employee administration processes are accurate, compliant, efficient, and employee-focused while helping drive operational excellence across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees across multiple states and locations.
• Ensure accurate calculation and processing of wages, overtime, shift premiums, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, deductions, and benefit withholdings.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, exception reporting, and validation processes to ensure the highest level of payroll accuracy.
• Coordinate year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, payroll tax reporting, and regulatory filings.
• Support internal and external audits while maintaining payroll records in accordance with legal and company requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop payroll direct report professionals, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Provide guidance and support on complex payroll issues, escalations, and compliance matters.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Operations leaders to ensure accurate employee data management and seamless payroll administration.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by resolving employee and leadership inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Lead or participate in special projects and other initiatives that support departmental and organizational objectives.
• Serve as the primary payroll subject matter expert for payroll systems, reporting, and process administration.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls, improve data integrity, and increase operational efficiency through automation and best practices.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll procedures, controls, and standard work.
• Monitor regulatory changes and industry trends, proact