Sr Manager Payroll
Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.
At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.
Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Position Summary
The Sr Manager, Payroll is responsible for leading U.S. payroll operations with a strong emphasis on operational execution, compliance, stakeholder partnership, and people leadership. This role provides oversight of payroll processing, timekeeping, garnishments, payroll tax and payroll-related systems, including UKG Pro, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll outcomes.
The role plays a critical leadership position in managing and strengthening the strategic partnership with Nestlé’s Manila Center of Scale (CoS), ensuring clear accountability, strong service delivery, and continuous improvement. The Sr Manager, Payroll partners closely with HR, Finance, HRIT, Legal, and business leaders to translate payroll complexity into clear guidance and sustainable solutions.
Role Responsibilities
Payroll Operations & Compliance
* Own enterprise-wide accountability for U.S. payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery and serving as the final point of accountability for payroll outcomes across federal, state, and local requirements
* Own payroll compliance strategy and control effectiveness, including audit readiness, control design, reporting, and resolution of compliance issues with sustained corrective actions
* Monitor regulatory changes impacting payroll and ensure timely execution within payroll processes and systems
* Partner closely with Legal, Tax, and HR Compliance to assess risk, resolve complex issues, and determine compliant payroll solutions aligned with business priorities
Timekeeping & Payroll Systems
* Provide operational oversight of timekeeping and payroll systems, including UKG Pro ensuring system reliability, data integrity, and scalability in support of enterprise payroll operations
* Serve as the business owner for payroll system capabilities, partnering with HRIT and Payroll IT to prioritize enhancements, resolve production issues, and align system functionality with compliance and operational needs
* Lead root cause analysis for system or payroll issues and drive sustainable corrective actions
Stakeholder Management & Center of Scale Partnership
* Define service strategy, SLAs, and performance metrics for the CoS, holding offshore partners accountable for outcomes and service delivery performance
* Drive enterprise-level standardization, continuous improvement, and knowledge transfer to ensure consistent payroll delivery, risk mitigation, and long-term operational sustainability
* Ensure appropriate business continuity and risk mitigation practices are in place
* Serve as the senior payroll advisor to HR, Finance, HRIT, and business leaders, translating payroll complexity and risks into informed business decisions
* Build strong cross-functional relationships while maintaining a customer-focused service mindset
People Leadership & Team Development
* Provide people leadership across payroll operations, strengthening the capabilities and professional development of the team
* Foster a high-performing, inclusive team culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
* Support workforce planning, workload balancing, and succession planning
* Provide clear direction, feedback, and development aligned to organizational priorities
* Drive process standardization, simplification, and continuous improvement across payroll operations
* Identify, assess, and prioritize payroll operational risks, designing and implementing controls that protect the organization from financial, regulatory, and reputational exposure
* Support enterprise initiatives and organizational changes impacting payroll
Minimum Qualifications
Experience
* 7+ years of payroll experience in a large, multi-state organization
* Demonstrated experience leading payroll operations, compliance, and audits
* Experience partnering with offshore or shared services teams strongly preferred
* Hands-on experience with payroll and timekeeping systems; UKG Pro preferred
* Prior people leadership experience required
Skills & Competencies
* Strong knowledge of payroll compliance and garnishments
* Understanding and knowledge of US payroll tax and garnishments
* Proven stakeholder management and influencing skills
* Strong people leadership, coaching, and development capabilities
* Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
* Continuous improvement mindset and strong operational discipline
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
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