Payroll Lead

The opportunity The Payroll Lead is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of global payroll activities, including Canada benefits and pension administration. This is a hands-on role for an experienced payroll professional who can independently manage complex payroll work while helping guide the day-to-day delivery of a small team. The successful candidate will bring strong technical depth, sound judgment and the ability to step into broader operational and stakeholder responsibilities when needed.  The role manages payroll operations and vendor service delivery, executes established governance and controls, and supports continuous improvement and payroll enhancements in partnership with People Operations, Total Rewards, Finance, Technology and Audit. The incumbent escalates complex compliance, financial and cross-border issues as required and supports initiatives that improve accuracy, service and efficiency.   Who you'll work with The Payroll Lead reports to the Senior Manager and works closely with a Senior Specialist, Payroll, People Operations, Total Rewards, Finance, and Technology and Insights & Systems (to deliver accurate and compliant payroll outcomes. The role partners with external payroll vendors and providers (e.g., benefits and pension administrators) and supports audits and statutory reporting requirements.  What you'll do Manages day-to-day payroll processing and delivery, including payroll calendars, year-end activities, audit schedules, Finance GL reporting, and required tax filing activities, in partnership with vendors and internal stakeholders.  Executes and maintains established payroll controls and risk management practices (e.g., reconciliations, segregation of duties, issue logs and audit requests) and escalates compliance risks and control gaps appropriately.  Supports payroll enhancements and automation initiatives in partnership with Technology and vendors by gathering requirements, coordinating testing/UAT, supporting rollout communications, and assisting with post implementation stabilization.  Manages day-to-day vendor service delivery and relationship management; tracks KPIs/SLAs, maintains issue logs, and supports remediation and continuous improvement activities with guidance from the Senior Manager, Payroll.  Operates as a senior technical resource within the team, taking ownership of complex payroll issues and providing coverage for selected Senior Manager responsibilities as needed.  Coaches the payroll team to meet service, accuracy and control expectations; supports onboarding, training, and documentation to enable consistent execution of standard work. Option:Provides coaching and technical guidance to a Senior Specialist, while remaining actively involved in payroll delivery and issue resolution.  Coordinates responses to government body inquiries and audits, and ensures reporting and remittances are completed accurately and on time (e.g., tax authorities, insurance carriers, pension…