Job description

Connect Search is partnering with a rapidly growing organization in the automotive industry to identify an experienced Payroll Manager who is ready to lead a high-performing payroll function through an exciting period of expansion. This is a newly elevated leadership position created as the company continues to grow and invest in its people. If you're a payroll professional who enjoys leading teams, improving processes, and ensuring payroll is delivered accurately and compliantly across multiple states, this is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact. Why This Opportunity? Our client currently processes payroll for approximately 900 employees across multiple states and has ambitious growth plans to double in size by 2030 , including the acquisition of multiple dealerships over the next several years. They're looking for a hands-on Payroll Manager who can lead the team today while building scalable processes for tomorrow. What You'll Do • Lead, coach, and develop a team of three payroll professionals • Oversee weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly payroll processing for approximately 900 employees • Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple states • Manage payroll tax compliance, reporting, and regulatory requirements • Maintain and optimize payroll processes within ADP Workforce • Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and dealership leadership to resolve payroll-related issues • Identify opportunities to improve payroll efficiency, controls, and scalability • Support acquisitions and payroll integration efforts as the company continues its aggressive growth strategy What We're Looking For Required Qualifications • 8–10+ years of progressive payroll experience • Proven leadership experience managing and developing payroll staff • Multi-state payroll experience • Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, compliance, and best practices • Experience processing high-volume payrolls • Experience using ADP Workforce or similar enterprise payroll systems • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills Preferred Qualifications • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification • Experience supporting a growing, multi-location organization • Experience with acquisitions or payroll integrations is a plus The Ideal Candidate We're looking for a leader who enjoys building strong teams and creating efficient payroll operations. The right person will be: • A confident people leader who enjoys mentoring and developing others • Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and compliance • Organized and able to manage multiple payroll schedules and priorities • Process-minded with a passion for continuous improvement • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment • Collaborative, approachable, and service-focused Compensation & Benefits • $90,000–$105,000 (depending on experience) • Bonus opportunity • Leadership opportunity with a growing organization • Long-term career growth as the company continues expanding If you're looking for a chance to lead a payroll team, influence process improvements, and play a key role in a company's next phase of growth, we'd love to speak with you. Contact Jesseca McCalla at 405-251-2908 or email your resume to jesseca.mccalla@connecssearchllc.com to learn more about this confidential opportunity.

Requirements

Must-haves

Why This Opportunity?
They're looking for a hands-on Payroll Manager who can lead the team today while building scalable processes for tomorrow.
Lead, coach, and develop a team of three payroll professionals
Oversee weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly payroll processing for approximately 900 employees
Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple states
Manage payroll tax compliance, reporting, and regulatory requirements
Maintain and optimize payroll processes within ADP Workforce
Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and dealership leadership to resolve payroll-related issues
Identify opportunities to improve payroll efficiency, controls, and scalability
Support acquisitions and payroll integration efforts as the company continues its aggressive growth strategy
8–10+ years of progressive payroll experience
Proven leadership experience managing and developing payroll staff
Multi-state payroll experience

Nice-to-haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification
Experience supporting a growing, multi-location organization
Experience with acquisitions or payroll integrations is a plus
The Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a leader who enjoys building strong teams and creating efficient payroll operations. The right person will be:
A confident people leader who enjoys mentoring and developing others
Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and compliance
Organized and able to manage multiple payroll schedules and priorities
Process-minded with a passion for continuous improvement
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
Collaborative, approachable, and service-focused

Application prep

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