Director, Payroll at MP Materials

Company Overview:

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

MP Materials is seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Director, Payroll to lead and oversee payroll operations across a dynamic and growing organization. This role will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with federal and state regulations, and continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes. The Director will collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and IT to support strategic initiatives and deliver exceptional service to employees. Additionally, the Director will participate in equity administration, including the management of employee stock awards, ensuring accurate processing, reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have experience handling large volumes of stock awards and working closely with legal and finance teams to support equity compensation programs.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all aspects of payroll operations, including multi-state payroll processing, tax filings, and compliance.
• Oversee payroll systems and integrations (preferably ADP or SAP), ensuring data accuracy and system efficiency.
• Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FLSA, IRS, DOL).
• Manage payroll-related audits and ensure timely resolution of discrepancies or issues.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to support compensation planning, benefits administration, and labor cost reporting.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of employee compensation, bonuses, stock options, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Lead payroll team and foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor legislative changes and ensure payroll practices remain compliant with federal, state, and local laws.
• Prepare and present payroll metrics, KPIs, and dashboards to senior leadership.
• Oversee year-end processes including W-2 preparation, reconciliation, and distribution.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping and reporting of equity transactions in compliance with IRS regulations.
• Collaborate with legal, finance, and HR teams to support equity plan design, implementation, and communication related equity compensation within payroll systems.
• Other duties, as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 4 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience managing multi-state payroll operations and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems (ADP, SAP, or similar) and automation tools.
• Deep understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and reporting requirements.
• Experience with payroll audits and internal controls.
• Experience working for a public company.

Desired Qualities:

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification.
• Experience in manufacturing, mining, or capital-intensive industries.
• Familiarity with multi-state payroll, expatriate payroll, and incentive 
• compensation structures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.