Payroll Manager (6 month contract)

Who we are

On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller (the ‘company’). The Company’s operations are split across North America (11 manufacturing plants) and Europe (16 manufacturing plants).

The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. IPL Schoeller is a leading manufacturer of sustainable rigid packaging solutions across a range of end market segments including returnable transit packaging, consumer and industrial packaging, environmental containers and agricultural packaging. The company employs c.4,100 employees across North America (1,600 employees) and Europe (2,500 employees.)

The role

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Payroll Manager to lead and optimise our payroll operations. This is a key role responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery while driving continuous improvement across payroll processes, systems, and reporting.

As Payroll Manager, you will act as the subject matter expert for payroll, leading system enhancements, supporting business transformation initiatives, and building strong partnerships across HR, Finance, IT, Compliance, and external providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant payroll legislation, tax regulations, and statutory requirements.
• Oversee payroll audits, statutory reporting, and year-end activities.
• Maintain robust payroll controls and governance processes.
• Lead payroll system upgrades, migrations, and integrations.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to ensure seamless system performance and data accuracy.
• Identify opportunities for automation, standardisation, and process optimisation.
• Develop scalable payroll processes that support business growth.
• Define and monitor payroll service levels and key performance indicators.
• Analyse payroll data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Produce and present payroll performance reports to senior stakeholders.
• Support data-driven decision-making through meaningful payroll insights.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage third-party payroll providers and service level agreements.
• Act as the payroll subject matter expert on cross-functional projects and initiatives.

About you

You are a proactive payroll professional with a strong track record of delivering accurate payroll services while driving operational excellence. You enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, leading change, and using data to improve processes and outcomes.

Essential Experience

• Professional payroll qualification such as CIPP, IPASS, FPC, or CPP.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience managing payroll operations.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, taxation, and compliance requirements.
• Experience leading payroll system implementations, upgrades, or migrations.
• Experience integrating payroll systems with HRIS, finance, or timekeeping platforms.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with payroll reporting tools.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results.

Desirable Experience

• Diploma, HND, or Associate Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related discipline.
• Experience within a shared services or global business services environment.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.