Manager - Payroll

Manager - Payroll, US

Work Mode:
Onsite

Location:

Onsite – Kohler, WI

Opportunity

The Manager Payroll, North America leads the transformation and modernization of Kohler's US payroll, driving a more automated, compliant, and employee‑friendly experience end to end. This role owns delivery of accurate, on‑time payroll while shaping the roadmap for process excellence, Workday Payroll optimization, controls, and scalable ways of working across a complex, multi‑state environment. The ideal candidate brings deep Workday Payroll expertise, a continuous‑improvement mindset, and the leadership to partner across HR, Finance, and IT to deliver meaningful change.

• Own end‑to‑end US payroll delivery ensuring every pay cycle is accurate, compliant, and on time, with clear controls and a customer‑first service mindset.
• Be the compliance steward for US payroll, proactively monitoring legislative changes and translating requirements into streamlined policies, procedures, and system updates.
• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team, creating a high‑performance culture focused on modernization, continuous improvement, and exceptional employee support.
• Partner with HR, Finance, IT, and business leaders to simplify upstream/downstream payroll workflows, resolve root causes, and elevate the overall employee experience.
• Deliver clear, decision‑ready reporting (tax filings, wage statements, reconciliations, and analytics) that improves transparency, audit readiness, and leadership insight.
• Strengthen controls through regular audits and reconciliation practices, reducing risk while improving data quality and cycle efficiency.
• Champion continuous improvement by identifying automation opportunities, standardizing processes, and leveraging Workday capabilities to modernize how payroll is delivered.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex payroll matters, bringing calm, clarity, and strong judgment while protecting the employee experience.
• Lead year‑end execution (including W‑2s) with strong project discipline, ensuring a smooth, compliant close and a positive employee experience.
• Bring hands‑on Workday implementation experience and lead future roadmap initiatives, including Time & Attendance projects, ensuring successful delivery, adoption, and measurable business outcomes.
• Lead and influence cross‑functional initiatives and vendor partnerships to deliver payroll enhancements, Workday releases, integrations, and broader transformation milestones on time and with measurable impact.
• Partner closely with the Director, Global Payroll to advance a truly global payroll operating model, defining a multi‑year roadmap to standardize processes, align governance, and bring payroll under one umbrella.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory. QBE will also be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of payroll management experience, with at least 3 years of experience using Workday Payroll. Workday Payroll implementation experience is required, with demonstrated delivery of enhancements/releases; experience supporting or implementing Time & Attendance (e.g., Workday Time Tracking) and related integrations is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and compliance requirements.
• Proven experience in managing payroll for a large, multi‑state organization.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with an acute attention to detail.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high‑performing team.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is preferred.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you’ll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period. The salary range for this position is $103,900 - $160,000. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location.

In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.

#LI-CM2

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact  Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.