Senior Manager - Global Payroll

Why Work at Rehlko

Our work is guided by our purpose: creating an energy-resilient world for a better future. This purpose embodies the legacy we bring, with more than 100 years as the global leader in energy resilience, delivering solutions critical to sustain and improve life.

Our teams have the opportunity to provide a critical resource – energy – that ensures safety, security, and independence for people around the world. Our team members are focused on pushing boundaries, continuing to innovate in an ever-changing landscape, and keeping up with the pace required to create solutions for today’s world demands.

Our product range includes engines, generators, power conversion, UPS systems, EV components and electrification solutions, microgrid controls and management, and clean energy solutions that serve a broad spectrum of OEM, residential, industrial, and commercial customers. At Rehlko, you have the freedom to identify, create, and deliver solutions – large and small – that help people and communities thrive in the moments that matter.

At Rehlko, our team members are the essential energy that powers our organization’s success. We are committed to fostering a safe and sustainable work environment where safety is everyone’s responsibility. We empower every team member to actively participate in our Zero Is Possible safety culture by encouraging open communication, proactively reporting hazards, following protocols, and suggesting improvements. Join us in creating an energy resilient world for a better future!

What We Offer

At Rehlko, our Total Rewards programs are designed to accelerate growth, energize performance, and support a culture of inclusion at every stage of life and work. We offer total rewards that are easily understood, recognize results, enable career mobility, and reflect our commitment to valuing diverse needs in a fast-moving world. We provide:

• Competitive compensation and benefits

• Work-life flexibility

• Recognition and rewards

• Development and career opportunities

• A safe and inclusive workplace

Why You Will Love this Job

Location: Hybrid, 3 days in office, in Glendale, WI

Relocation is optional. We welcome candidates based outside the local area who are able to commit to our hybrid work model, which includes onsite collaboration 1–2 weeks per month. Relocation support is available for those who prefer to move

The Senior Manager Global Payroll Operations oversees all payroll activities for a manufacturing workforce that includes hourly plant employees, union labor, shift‑based operations, and salaried staff. This leader ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across multiple facilities while driving operational efficiency, system optimization, and strong internal controls. This role partners closely with HR, Plant Operations, Finance, and Labor Relations to support a safe, productive, and compliant manufacturing environment.

Specific  Responsibilities

Payroll Leadership & Operations

• Direct the full-cycle payroll process for multi-state and multi-country employee populations.
• Lead end‑to‑end payroll processing for multi‑site manufacturing operations, including high‑volume hourly workforces, shift differentials, overtime, and incentive pay.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately, on schedule, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, and internal controls to maintain data integrity.
• Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures, and best practices.

Union & Labor Relations Alignment

• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to payroll processes.
• Partner with Labor Relations to ensure payroll practices align with union rules, grievance procedures, and contract renewals.
• Support audits, arbitration preparation, and labor negotiations with accurate payroll data.

Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of payroll specialists and supervisors.
• Establish performance goals, provide coaching, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain expert knowledge of wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Partner with Legal and Compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulatory changes.
• Manage payroll tax filings, year-end processes (W‑2, 1099, etc.), and audits.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Oversee payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, SAP) and drive enhancements or implementations.
• Collaborate with HRIS and IT to ensure system accuracy, integration, and data flow.
• Identify automation opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with HR on compensation changes, benefits, leaves of absence, and employee data management.
• Work with Finance and Accounting on payroll funding, GL reconciliation, and reporting.
• Serve as the payroll subject-matter expert for internal stakeholders and executive leadership.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with payroll service providers, tax agencies, and third-party vendors.
• Negotiate contracts, monitor service levels, and ensure vendor performance aligns with organizational needs.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CPA CPP) strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in payroll leadership, with at least 5 years leading global payroll operations in a large, multi-country organization preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Experience with unionized manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in global payroll strategy development and execution, including experience with U.S. GAAP, SOX, and international payroll/tax regulations.
• Direct experience with enterprise payroll systems ADP and Workday required, including experience leading systems integration and process transformations.
• Proven experience leveraging automation and/or RPA tools to streamline payroll processes, improve accuracy and reduce costs.
• Strong knowledge of upstream payroll inputs (compensation, benefits, stock administration, global mobility and legal) and integrations (Finance, HR, timekeeping, third-party HR/payroll solutions).
• Demonstrated record of building, mentoring, and leading geographically dispersed teams of payroll professionals.
• Experience managing external payroll vendors and developing strong vendor relationships to achieve exceptional outcomes.
• Strong cross-functional influence skills with proven success collaborating with Finance, HR, IT, Legal and external partners to improve process and ensure business-critical deliverables.

• Support audits, arbitration preparation, and labor negotiations with accurate payroll data.

The Salary range for this position is $122,750.00-$156,850.00.The specific Salary rate offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location.

About Us

Rehlko proudly offers a rich history steeped in creativity and commitment to our associates and communities, along with competitive benefits and compensation. Our Purpose—Creating an energy resilient world for a better future—and Values: Curiosity, Trust, Pace, and Excellence, are important cultural components that shape the way we work and relate to one another. Learn more about Rehlko at http://www.rehlko.com/who-we-are.

In addition to the investment in your development, Rehlko offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with Rehlko matching, and more!?

Rehlko is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and will make decisions regarding employment opportunities, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, benefits, training, discipline, and termination, without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, age, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, caste, mental or physical disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political belief or affiliation, union membership status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national, state, local, or other applicable laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

 It is the policy of Rehlko to comply with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and corresponding national, state, local, or other applicable laws. Rehlko will not discriminate against any qualified associate or applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person's physical or mental disability. Rehlko will provide a reasonable accommodation to associates or applicants with disabilities, in accordance with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require an accommodation in the application process or during the course of employment, please contact EnergyJobs@rehlko.com. Rehlko is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Our Values

Curiosity – Seek, learn, share

Trust – Go farther together

Pace – Focus to go faster

Excellence – Find the win every day