Total Rewards and Payroll Manager at Summus Group LLC – Mundelein, Illinois

JOB PURPOSE or JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for leading and administering the organization’s payroll, compensation and benefits programs across the US and Canada. This role ensures accurate and compliant payroll operations while designing and maintaining competitive total rewards programs that support talent attraction, retention and engagement. This role provides hands-on leadership to a team of three and partners closely with HR, Finance and external vendors to deliver high-quality employee experience while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Payroll Leadership & Compliance

• Oversee payroll for US and Canadian employees, including pay delivery, audits and taxation, and yearend processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all legal requirements.
• Manage payroll vendors and systems, ensuring strong controls, data integrity and continuous improvement.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll policies, procedures and internal controls to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.

Total Rewards (Benefits & Compensation)

• Drive the design, administration, and ongoing evaluation of benefit and compensation programs aligned with organizational strategy and market competitiveness.
• Manage annual compensation cycles, including merit increases, as well as incentive programs, job evaluations, and market benchmarking.
• Oversee US and Canadian benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs, absence management, and related vendor relationships.
• Partner with HR Business Partners and management to provide guidance on interpretation and administration of benefit programs, annual benefits enrollment, and launches of new programs.
• Partner with HR Business Partners and management regarding compensation decisions related to hiring, promotions, and workforce changes.

Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of payroll and benefits professionals.
• Build bench strength and cross training with the team to support business continuity.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with HR on strategies, policy development, employee communications, and HR technology. Drive cross-functional efficiency, optimization of systems, and consistent HR practices. Maintain professional, effective relationships.
• Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliation, program forecasting and budgeting, and reporting related to benefit and compensation costs.
• Provide data-driven insights and reporting to support decision-making and audits.
• Stay current on regulatory changes, market trends, and best practices across North America and proactively recommend enhancements to ensure programs remain competitive and innovative.

COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable pay and benefit laws and regulations.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

Working Conditions

• Work typically performed in an indoor office setting.
• Standard business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and/or as aligned with manager and site needs.

Travel: Infrequent travel to align with open enrollment or implementation and training of new programs or systems.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 5 years of progressive HR experience in compensation, benefits, and payroll, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership role managing direct reports.
• Experience in a manufacturing or multi-site environment; multi-state and Canadian experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with strong Excel skills.
• Preferred qualifications: experience with Paylocity or similar HRIS and benefit administration platforms as well as experience converting and implementing similar HR technology.

Licenses/Credentials/Certifications

• CEBs and/or CCP preferred.