Payroll manager

The Opportunity

A rare opportunity exists for an accomplished Payroll Manager to lead a sophisticated, high‐volume payroll function within a large, geographically dispersed organisation. Operating in a complex and highly regulated environment, this role is pivotal in ensuring operational excellence, governance, and the continued evolution of payroll capability. Reporting into senior leadership, you will take full ownership of the payroll function, driving accuracy, compliance, and efficiency while partnering closely with People & Culture and Finance to support broader business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of the end‐to‐end payroll function across a national workforce
• Ensure full compliance with legislative, regulatory, and industrial instruments, including awards and enterprise agreements
• Oversee complex payroll activities, including executive and non‐standard remuneration, terminations, redundancies, and ETPs
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, with a focus on process optimisation, controls, and system enhancements
• Develop and mentor a payroll team, fostering a high‐performance culture focused on accountability and service excellence
• Act as the central point of escalation for complex payroll matters, providing expert advice to senior stakeholders
• Drive payroll governance, including audit readiness, reconciliations, and reporting integrity
• Partner with senior stakeholders across People & Culture, Finance, and business leadership to influence outcomes and mitigate risk

About You

• A proven ECP Payroll leader with experience operating at a senior level within complex, multi‐site organisations
• Deep expertise in Australian payroll legislation, compliance frameworks, and industrial instruments
• Demonstrated capability leading high‐volume, end‐to‐end payroll functions with strong governance oversight
• Commercially astute, with the ability to contribute to broader business decision‐making
• Strong systems acumen with experience driving payroll transformation or process improvements
• An engaging and credible stakeholder manager, capable of influencing at all levels
• A people leader with a track record of building and developing high‐performing teams

What's on Offer

• A leadership role with genuine influence across a large and complex organisation
• An opportunity to shape and enhance payroll operations and capability
• A collaborative, forward‐thinking environment with strong executive support
• Excellent remuneration and flexible working arrangements

To discuss further, please contact Daniel Close at dclose@sharpandcarter.com.au