Payroll Manager (Chicago, IL, US, 60631) en Sustainable Packaging Manufacturers | Ardagh Group

Role Description:

We are seeking a highly experienced Payroll Manager to lead the payroll function through a significant period of change. This role offers the opportunity to drive a payroll transformation while also overseeing day-to-day delivery for a complex, high-volume US employee population. You will play a key role in shaping the future payroll operating model, ensuring compliance, building strong vendor relationships, and delivering a seamless employee experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Transformation and Implementation

• Lead the end-to-end implementation of a new payroll provider, ensuring business needs and processes are captured and translated into functional requirements
• Act as the primary payroll SME during the implementation process, helping design and embed new payroll processes, systems, and controls
• Establish and embed the managed service model, ensuring clear processes, service levels, and accountability between the business and vendor
• Build and maintain robust governance and compliance controls to ensure payroll accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to US federal, state, and local regulations
• Partner with HR, Finance, HRIS specifically Payroll and Workforce Management Product Manager, and executive stakeholders to align payroll operations with business objectives
• Serve as the primary liaison with the payroll provider, overseeing performance against contractual obligations and SLAs
• Support change management and communications activities to ensure a smooth transition for employees and internal teams
• Document processes, train internal stakeholders, and ensure readiness for steady-state operations post-implementation
• Drive continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance payroll processes, reporting, automation, and employee experience

Business-as-Usual (BAU) Payroll Management

• Oversee the delivery of payroll services by the managed service provider, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Monitor, investigate, and resolve payroll issues or escalations in partnership with the provider
• Ensure payroll tax filings, reporting, and statutory requirements are met through effective vendor oversight
• Manage internal and external audits, ensuring all payroll data and processes meet audit and compliance standards
• Provide leadership, guidance, and development to payroll team members or functional leads
• Deliver clear reporting and insights to leadership on payroll metrics, risks, and opportunities

Requirements: 

• 10+ years of payroll management experience, with at least 5 years leading payroll system implementations or managed service transitions
• Strong knowledge of US payroll regulations, tax compliance, and reporting requirements
• Proven experience leading complex payroll transformation projects in large or multi-state organizations
• Demonstrated vendor management experience, including contract oversight and SLA monitoring
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
• Analytical mindset with a focus on accuracy, controls, and compliance
• Experience with UKG time and attendance and ADP GlobalView technology a distinct advantage.

Ardagh Metal Packaging is a leading global supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans to brand owners. A subsidiary of sustainable packaging business Ardagh Group and a leading industry metal packaging company, Ardagh Metal Packaging employs more than 6,300 people across Europe, North America and Brazil, with sales of approximately $4.7 billion.

Ardagh Metal Packaging believes that the success of our business depends on the success of our people. We strive to create working environments where our employees feel valued and can work to their full potential. We offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for talented and creative people. If you have ambition and want to make an impact with your career, come and join our team - you’ll enjoy the journey!

Ardagh Metal Packaging - North America has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding, and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming), color, national origin, ancestry (including association, affiliation, or participation with persons or activities related to national origin, English-proficiency or accent, or immigration status), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital or domestic partner status, age, veteran or military status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Discrimination against any employee or applicant based on any of these factors is prohibited.

The anticipated base annual salary range for this role is between $108,700 and $163,100 per year.  This role is bonus eligible. The bonus incentive program is based on company meeting or exceeding targets. Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate and is only applicable for roles that are based out of Illinois. The final salary will be determined after considering relevant factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and work location, where appropriate.

Ardagh Metal Packaging also offer a comprehensive benefits program including medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage with an opportunity to earn a medical/prescription premium reduction by completing a qualified wellness activity. The Company also offers a 401(k) Plan. Ardagh Metal Packaging benefits may be amended at any time.