HR Payroll Manager

SUMMARY:
Lead a high-performing national payroll function and drive payroll accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence across a multi-site environment.

POSITION INFO:
Are you an experienced payroll professional with a proven track record in managing high-volume payrolls, strengthening payroll controls, and leading payroll teams? Do you thrive in an environment where precision, compliance, and continuous improvement are key to business success? A well-established organisation in the FMCG and distribution sector is looking for a HR Payroll Manager to take ownership of payroll operations across multiple regions and Distribution Centres nationwide. This pivotal role will oversee the full payroll function, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing, statutory compliance, risk mitigation, and effective team leadership. The successful candidate will act as the payroll subject matter expert, driving best practices, enhancing controls, and partnering closely with HR, Finance, and operational stakeholders. Key Requirements: Payroll Operations Management Manage the end-to-end monthly and bi-weekly payroll cycles across a large and diverse workforce. Ensure all payroll inputs, amendments, deductions, allowances, and terminations are accurately validated and processed. Review payroll outputs and investigate discrepancies prior to final approval. Oversee payroll reconciliations, salary journals, reporting requirements, and payroll-related audits. Manage payroll queries and implement corrective measures to reduce recurring issues. Ensure payroll records are maintained in line with legislative and company requirements. Payroll Compliance & Governance Maintain robust payroll controls, approval frameworks, and audit trails. Ensure compliance with all relevant payroll legislation, including SARS, UIF, BCEA, and company governance standards. Manage statutory reporting and submissions, including EMP201s, EMP501 reconciliations, IRP5s, and year-end payroll processes. Support internal and external audits by providing complete, accurate, and traceable payroll documentation. Drive adherence to payroll policies, procedures, and governance standards across all sites. Multi-Site Payroll Coordination Consolidate and review payroll submissions from multiple regions and Distribution Centres. Verify appointments, transfers, salary adjustments, overtime, leave transactions, allowances, deductions, and terminations. Analyse payroll exceptions and variances, ensuring issues are resolved before payroll finalisation. Ensure employee exits are processed accurately and that payroll and benefit records are updated accordingly. Time & Attendance and Overtime Control Review and approve overtime submissions in accordance with company policy and labour legislation. Validate payroll data against approved timesheets, attendance records, and clocking systems. Monitor overtime trends and provide recommendations to improve productivity and cost control. Ensure accurate application of overtime, shift allowances, public holiday, and weekend pay rules. Payroll Team Leadership Lead, coach, and develop payroll teams across multiple locations. Allocate workloads, manage priorities, and monitor service delivery standards. Conduct performance reviews, training initiatives, and ongoing coaching. Build team capability through succession planning, cross-training, and knowledge sharing. Act as the escalation point for complex payroll matters and stakeholder queries. Reporting & Continuous Improvement Produce and analyse payroll, headcount, overtime, leave, and exception reports. Maintain payroll process documentation, policies, and standard operating procedures. Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, systems, and efficiencies. Collaborate with HR, Finance, and operational teams to support business objectives and workforce planning. Job Experience and Skills Required: Degree in Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Business Administration , or a related field. 3 - 5 years' relevant experience within HR and Payroll management. Proven experience leading HR and Payroll teams within a multi-site, distribution, FMCG, logistics, retail, or operational environment . Demonstrated experience managing both monthly and bi-weekly payroll processes. Strong understanding of payroll controls, governance, reconciliation, and compliance requirements. Advanced Excel skills Experience working with payroll systems, ESS platforms, and time-and-attendance systems. Sound knowledge of South African labour legislation and HR best practices. Strong administrative, organisational, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Apply now! For more exciting (Finance\/ Engineering\/ IT \/ Supply Chain \/ Commercial & C-Suite) vacancies, please visit: If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles \/ positions. For more information, contact: Juanette Lotter Executive Consultant