Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

Location: Roseville, MN (Hybrid, 3 days/week onsite)

Compensation: $100,000–$110,000 base + STI bonus + full benefits

SkyWater is proud to partner with a fast-growing, private equity-backed science and technology services organization serving Fortune 500s, government agencies, and biotech innovators. Founded in the late 1970s, this U.S.-based firm has scaled to over 5,000 employees through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. With a mission rooted in scientific integrity, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, they’re expanding their HR function—and this Payroll Manager role is a key part of that journey.

Why You’ll Join

• Be the subject matter expert leading payroll for a large, multi-state workforce spanning nearly all 50 states
• Partner closely with HR, Finance, and business leaders to ensure smooth, compliant operations
• Join a collaborative and values-driven culture that champions accuracy, transparency, and continuous improvement
• Contribute to high-impact work in a growing company with a strong Life Sciences division and national footprint

What You’ll Do

• Lead all aspects of payroll for 5 FEINs and both weekly/bi-weekly cycles
• Oversee and develop payroll staff (1 direct report); provide coaching, performance management, and support
• Own Workday payroll system oversight, compliance, auditing, and process documentation
• Navigate complex tax matters, post-acquisition integrations, and state-by-state compliance issues
• Serve as the internal payroll go-to for escalations, system integrity, vendor management, and HRIS enhancements

What the company Requires

• 4+ years of payroll leadership in a multi-state environment (preferably nearly all 50 states)
• Proven experience with payroll tax, auditing, compliance, and post-acquisition payroll transition
• Proficiency in Workday (required) and ADP backend exposure
• Ability to manage both strategic projects and hands-on execution in a high-volume setting
• Strong communicator with a collaborative mindset and a sharp eye for process improvement

If you’re qualified and interested in this position, feel free to apply, or reach out to Danielle Smith, directly at DSmith@skywatersearch.com