Payroll Lead

Job Overview Baldor Specialty Foods is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Payroll Lead to join our payroll team.

The Payroll Lead is responsible for overseeing and supporting the day-to-day operations of the payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple states.

This is a hands-on leadership role that combines full-cycle payroll processing with operational oversight, team training, issue resolution, and continuous process improvement.

Serving as the primary resource for payroll team members, the Payroll Lead will provide guidance, coordinate workloads, establish consistent procedures, and support the professional development of both new and existing employees.

This individual will also serve as the primary backup to the Senior Payroll Manager, helping maintain continuity of payroll operations and supporting departmental priorities.

The ideal candidate brings extensive multi-state payroll experience, advanced knowledge of UKG Ready, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to lead payroll operations in a fast-paced environment with a large, diverse workforce.

Key Responsibilities Payroll Operations & Processing Lead and actively participate in full-cycle weekly payroll processing for salaried and hourly employees across multiple states, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable laws.Coordinate payroll schedules, deadlines, and workload distribution to ensure efficient execution of payroll activities.Review payroll registers, exception reports, adjustments, and reconciliations to identify and resolve discrepancies before final approval.Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll questions, discrepancies, and processing issues.Oversee the accurate processing of bonuses, commissions, retroactive payments, deductions, garnishments, and other payroll adjustments.Partner with HR, Finance, and Operations to resolve payroll-related issues and ensure accurate employee compensation.

Team Leadership & Development Serve as the operational lead for the payroll team, providing day-to-day direction, guidance, and support to ensure consistent and accurate payroll processing.Train and onboard new payroll team members, ensuring a thorough understanding of payroll procedures, systems, compliance requirements, and internal controls.Provide ongoing training and coaching to existing team members to strengthen technical knowledge, improve accuracy, and promote consistency.Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, training materials, and payroll process documentation.Monitor team workflows, identify knowledge gaps, and recommend improvements to strengthen departmental effectiveness.Promote accountability, collaboration, and a high standard of service across the payroll function.

Payroll Management Support & Departmental Oversight Serve as the primary backup to the Senior Payroll Manager, providing operational leadership and ensuring continuity of payroll processing ...