Payroll and Benefits Manager

Our client is seeking a Payroll and Benefits Manager who is responsible for overseeing and managing all payroll and benefits administration activities for more than 2,800 union employees. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and effective administration of union benefit programs. The Manager partners closely with union representatives, third-party administrators, vendors, and internal departments to maintain data integrity, compliance, and operational excellence across payroll and benefits functions.

• Oversee and manage bi-weekly payroll processing for 2,800+ union employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Interpret and apply provisions of multiple collective bargaining agreements to ensure proper pay rates, benefit deductions, and related adjustments.
• Administer union benefit programs, including health, welfare, and pension plans; ensure accurate eligibility, enrollment, and data transmission to benefit carriers and union funds.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations to maintain accurate employee status changes, including hires, terminations, leaves of absence, and transfers.
• Review, reconcile, and audit payroll registers, benefit invoices, and carrier eligibility reports to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Serve as a key liaison with union representatives, benefit consultants, and third-party administrators to resolve payroll and benefits discrepancies promptly and professionally.
• Support annual audits, compliance reporting, and financial reconciliations related to payroll and benefits administration.
• Manage updates and configurations within payroll and HRIS systems to ensure employee data accuracy and proper scheduling of deductions and benefits.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance payroll and benefits efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive payroll and benefits experience, including union payroll management.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM-CP, CEBS, or CPP preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of payroll and HRIS systems required; experience with enterprise workforce management systems preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale, multi-union payroll operations with complex collective bargaining agreement requirements.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of attention to detail, confidentiality, and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.