Lead Payroll Administrator

Payroll and Leave of Absence

 

Our client is an innovative advanced materials manufacturer specializing in high-performance forged fiber solutions that serve demanding industries such as aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. As a Lead Payroll Specialist (Payroll & Leave of Absence), you will lead end-to-end payroll operations while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and process excellence across both union and non-union environments. You will serve as a subject-matter expert, oversee complex payroll and LOA administration, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and the employee experience.

 

Why You’ll Love Working With Us
Our client values their employees’ time, expertise, and contributions. Their competitive compensation of $110,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience, along with an extensive benefits package, reflects their strong commitment to your success. Their best-in-class benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance 
• Retirement savings plan with company contribution 
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays 
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities 
• A dynamic, innovation-driven work environment within a growing advanced manufacturing industry

 

Our client fosters a forward-thinking, high-performance culture driven by innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Team members are empowered to solve complex challenges, contribute ideas, and make meaningful impacts in a fast-evolving environment where engineering excellence and operational precision are valued.

 

To succeed as the Lead Payroll Administrator, you should have:        

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field with 5+ years of progressive payroll operations experience in complex, multi-state environments
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred; strong knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, and labor laws
• Advanced proficiency in payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG) with strong data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting skills in Excel or similar tools
• Experience supporting Leave of Absence programs (FMLA, ADA) with ability to interpret policies; English fluency required with ability to support cross-functional communication in fast-paced environments
• Prior experience working with a PEO is preferred

 

Your responsibilities as the Lead Payroll Administrator will include:        

• Lead full-cycle payroll processing for multi-state, union and non-union workforce, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and collective bargaining agreements
• Oversee Leave of Absence (FMLA, ADA, workers’ compensation, disability) administration and ensure accurate payroll integration, benefit deductions, and return-to-work processing
• Analyze payroll data, audits, and reconciliations to identify discrepancies, implement corrective actions, and strengthen payroll controls and reporting accuracy
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Benefits, and third-party administrators to ensure seamless payroll operations and compliance in HRIS/payroll systems
• Mentor payroll team members, lead process improvement initiatives, and optimize payroll systems, workflows, and compliance procedures

 

About Our Client

Our client is a cutting-edge materials technology company focused on revolutionizing manufacturing through innovation in forged fiber. By combining advanced engineering, proprietary processes, and a commitment to performance, our client delivers lightweight, high-strength components that outperform those made from traditional materials. Their mission centers on pushing the boundaries of material science while enabling scalable, efficient, and sustainable production solutions for high-impact industries.

 

Ready to Make an Impact?

Step into a high-visibility leadership role where your payroll expertise drives accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence. Apply now to join a pioneering team shaping the future of advanced manufacturing.

 

We anticipate that the application window will close in 60 days.

 

Our client is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. It does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment.

 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment with the local county Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.