Payroll Lead - Madison, WI

JOIN THE TEAM THAT FUELS YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGES

At Wis-Pak, we're more than a manufacturer.  We're the force behind some of the most recognized beverage brands in the country, including Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Lipton Iced Tea, Aquafina, Klarbrunn, Vita Ice, and Bubbl'r.   As one of the nation's largest independent beverage bottlers, we're proud of our heritage and driven by an ambitious vision: to become the largest independent bottler in the industry. 

Unlike many manufacturing organizations focused solely on cost and profit, we take a broader view of success.  We are committed to creating long-term shareholder value through operational excellence, innovation, strategic growth, and a culture that values and develops our people.

What We're Looking For

The Payroll Lead is responsible for leading payroll operations for a multi-state workforce of hourly manufacturing and salaried employees. This role oversees the accurate and timely processing of payroll, leads a team of two (2) payroll professionals, and serves as the organization's subject matter expert for payroll compliance, taxation, systems, controls, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This position is based in our Windsor, Wisconsin office, conveniently located near Madison, WI. Team members enjoy a hybrid work environment that combines the benefits of in-person collaboration with workplace flexibility, working onsite four days per week and remotely one day per week.

Our ideal candidate combines strong technical payroll expertise with a service-oriented leadership style and a passion for continuous improvement. This individual will partner closely with Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, and Operations to ensure payroll and related employee administration processes are accurate, compliant, efficient, and employee-focused while helping drive operational excellence across the organization.

Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees across multiple states and locations.
• Ensure accurate calculation and processing of wages, overtime, shift premiums, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, deductions, and benefit withholdings.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, exception reporting, and validation processes to ensure the highest level of payroll accuracy.
• Coordinate year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, payroll tax reporting, and regulatory filings.
• Support internal and external audits while maintaining payroll records in accordance with legal and company requirements.

Leadership & Partnership

• Lead, coach, and develop payroll direct report professionals, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Provide guidance and support on complex payroll issues, escalations, and compliance matters.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Operations leaders to ensure accurate employee data management and seamless payroll administration.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by resolving employee and leadership inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Lead or participate in special projects and other initiatives that support departmental and organizational objectives.

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as the primary payroll subject matter expert for payroll systems, reporting, and process administration.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls, improve data integrity, and increase operational efficiency through automation and best practices.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll procedures, controls, and standard work.
• Monitor regulatory changes and industry trends, proactively implementing necessary changes to maintain compliance and operational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, along with 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll administration. 
• Experience leading or mentoring payroll professionals is preferred, as is experience supporting both hourly manufacturing and salaried employee populations. 
• Candidates should possess demonstrated experience with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, payroll tax administration, and payroll reporting tools.
• The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, and payroll compliance regulations, along with the ability to accurately process and audit complex multi-state payrolls.  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, reconciliation, organizational, and communication skills are essential, as is advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.  
• The ideal candidate brings a customer-focused approach, effective leadership capabilities, and a continuous improvement mindset with a track record of enhancing payroll processes, controls, and operational efficiency.

What You'll Bring:

• A commitment to accuracy, compliance, and service excellence.
• The ability to build strong relationships across HR, Finance, and Operations.
• A proactive approach to solving problems and improving processes.
• Leadership capability to guide a small team while remaining hands-on in day-to-day payroll operations.

Why Join Us?

Join a growing organization where payroll plays a critical role in supporting our employees and business success. This position offers the opportunity to lead payroll operations, influence process improvements, and make a meaningful impact across a multi-site manufacturing environment.

Why You'll Love Working Here

We believe in taking care of our people. Here's what you can expect:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Critical Illness & Accident Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• 401(K) with Profit Sharing
• Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Holidays

Our Commitment to You

Wis-Pak/WP Beverage is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We comply with EEOC regulations and use E-Verify to ensure employment eligibility.