Manager, Payroll

JUST HR is recruiting for a Manager, Payroll to step into a critical leadership role within a large, unionized public sector organization. This leader is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll for an employee base of up to 7,000 staff across multiple pay runs each month. With complex collective agreements, recent union settlements, and heavy year-end cycles, the organization needs a confident payroll expert who can bring stability, credibility, and strong leadership to the team.

This is a pivotal role that keeps the organization running smoothly. Payroll accuracy builds trust. This leader will ensure employees are paid correctly, inquiries are handled quickly, and the payroll team is aligned and accountable.

This opportunity may begin as a contract with potential to transition into a permanent position.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee end-to-end payroll processing for up to 7,000 employees
• Manage approximately eight payroll runs per month across multiple union groups
• Supervise and support a team of four Payroll Coordinators
• Ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and adherence to collective agreements
• Review and approve records of employment and complex pay adjustments
• Guide the team through high-volume inquiry management using an intake system
• Navigate union settlements and retroactive pay calculations
• Oversee annual T4 processing and year-end reconciliation activities
• Lead summer reconciliation cycles, including teacher pay reviews and adjustments
• Build credibility quickly by demonstrating deep technical payroll expertise
• Address team performance issues with professionalism and confidence
• Partner with HR, Finance, and leadership to ensure payroll aligns with operational needs
• Identify process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce risk

Requirements

• Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation required
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership experience
• Experience managing payroll in a unionized, multi-collective agreement environment
• Strong working knowledge of PeopleSoft payroll system
• Experience with large ERP systems such as SAP considered an asset
• Proven ability to manage high-volume, complex payroll operations
• Strong understanding of public sector payroll practices preferred
• Demonstrated experience handling difficult conversations and maintaining credibility
• Confident, steady leadership style with strong relationship-building skills
• High attention to detail and strong compliance mindset

Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week, hybrid model with 4 days in office and 1 day remote.

**Only candidates eligible to work in Canada will be considered**

Just HR is a specialized Human Resources recruitment and search firm with seven practice areas: General HR, Compensation & Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Organizational Development, Labour & Employee Relations, HRIS, Health & Safety.