Payroll Manager

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Candidates must currently live within commuting distance of Waltham and be able to work onsite Monday through Wednesday. Relocation assistance is not available.

Do you enjoy leading a payroll team, helping employees, and making the next payroll cycle run better than the last? At Welch’s, you’ll have the opportunity to do all three.

Reporting to the Director, People & Operations, you’ll lead day-to-day payroll across our corporate and manufacturing locations. You’ll stay involved in the work, coach your team, and build strong relationships with HR, Finance, and plant leaders. Your impact will show up in accurate paychecks, a capable team, and employees who know they can count on payroll for help.

We welcome Payroll Managers and Payroll Supervisors with experience directly managing people who are ready to take ownership of the function.

• →Lead and develop the payroll team. Set priorities, coach employees, manage performance, and build cross-training and coverage so the team can deliver consistently.
• →Own each payroll cycle. Lead accurate, timely payroll for hourly, salaried, union, non-union, and seasonal employees across multiple states. Review payroll, resolve exceptions, and step in to support processing when needed.
• →Make payroll easy to work with. Help employees and managers understand pay questions, resolve issues with empathy and follow-through, and partner with HR and plant teams to get information right before payroll runs.
• →Improve everyday processes. Find the causes of recurring issues, simplify handoffs, document clear procedures, and reduce manual work. Partner with HRIS, IT, and vendors when system changes or troubleshooting are needed.
• →Keep payroll accurate and compliant. Oversee taxes, deductions, garnishments, overtime, shift premiums, year-end processing, and payroll requirements in collective bargaining agreements. Maintain effective controls and respond to agency inquiries.
• →Partner with Finance. Ensure payroll, tax, benefit, and general ledger accounts reconcile; support financial close, payroll tax filings, audits, and retirement plan testing; and address discrepancies promptly.

Occasional travel to Welch’s manufacturing locations is required.

• →Five or more years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of payroll cycles and direct supervision of payroll staff.
• →Experience coaching employees, setting priorities, and holding a team accountable for accurate, timely work.
• →Hands-on experience with multi-state payroll for hourly and salaried employees, including payroll taxes, year-end processing, wage and hour requirements, and payroll accounting.
• →Clear communication and sound judgment. You can explain payroll issues, build productive partnerships, and handle employee concerns with care and confidentiality.
• →Comfort using payroll and timekeeping systems and Excel to review, reconcile, and troubleshoot payroll data, with examples of practical process improvements you have made.
• →A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred: Manufacturing or union payroll experience, UKG experience, and a Certified Payroll Professional designation.

At Welch’s, you’ll join an inclusive, collaborative culture where your voice and contributions matter. Our rewards package includes:

• →Base salary plus annual incentive plan eligibility and a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
• →Health, dental, and vision benefits from day one, plus health savings accounts, life and accident insurance, Employee Assistance Programs, and Perks at Work savings.
• →Paid time off and holidays, plus 40 hours of paid volunteer time annually for non-union employees.
• →LinkedIn Learning, tuition reimbursement, and formal and informal career development opportunities.
• →Paid parental and adoption leave after six months of employment.