Payroll Systems Analyst

You may not know our name, but you know our products.  What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us.  Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

About the Role
 

As a Payroll Technical Specialist at Zekelman Industries, you will play a key role in ensuring the efficient, accurate, and compliant operation of our UKG and Workday payroll systems across U.S. and Canadian locations. This position requires deep technical payroll expertise, strong analytical thinking, and cross-functional collaboration, and offers the opportunity to directly impact payroll accuracy, compliance, and union agreement adherence.

You will collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and plant leadership, ensuring seamless payroll processing and continuous system optimization. This is a hybrid role located in Chicago, IL.
 

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment, enjoys solving complex system and compliance challenges, and brings strong technical skills to support payroll operations in union and non-union settings.

What You’ll Do

• Administers and supports UKG and Workday payroll systems for U.S. and Canadian operations

• Maintains accurate payroll records and ensures compliance with federal, state/provincial, and local laws, as well as union agreements

• Collaborates with HR, Finance, IT, and plant management to implement system changes and payroll process improvements

• Troubleshoots technical payroll issues and coordinates with software vendors and internal stakeholders

• Configures, tests, and deploys payroll system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations

• Generates and analyzes payroll reports for compliance, audits, and management insights

• Conducts payroll audits and reconciliations, including time and attendance data validation

• Applies union contract provisions to payroll processing, including overtime, benefits, and grievance settlements

• Develops and maintains payroll documentation and training for HR/payroll teams and plant users

• Supports year-end processing, tax filings, and regulatory submissions for U.S. and Canada

• Monitors changes in payroll regulations and system upgrades to ensure best practices

Who You Are

• 3+ years of payroll experience in a multi-location manufacturing environment

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or equivalent experience

• Hands-on experience with UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) and Workday Payroll

• Knowledge of U.S. and Canadian payroll regulations and union payroll administration

• Proficient in payroll system configuration, reporting, and integrations

• Strong problem-solving skills with attention to accuracy and detail

• Skilled in interpreting and applying union contract payroll provisions

• Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis and reconciliations

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical audiences

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• Professional certifications (e.g., CPP, Workday Pro, UKG Pro) highly desirable

What You’ll Get

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, loyalty awards, and much more:

• Competitive Compensation

• Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities

• 401(k) with Company Match

• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Tuition Assistance Program

• Paid Vacation & Holidays

• Employee Loyalty Awards

Compensation & Benefits

Below is the expected base salary range for this position. This is a good-faith estimate, and offers will be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and interview performance.

Base Salary Range: [$120,000-$125,000 USD]
Additional compensation may include:
✔ Performance-based yearly merit-increase
✔ Profit-sharing bonus opportunities

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits.  In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.