Manager, Payroll

Group 1 Automotive, Inc., an international, Fortune 250 automotive retailer and a leading operator in the automotive retailing industry, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Trainer to join our team.

Group 1 Automotive owns and operates automotive dealerships and collision centers in the United States and United Kingdom. We offer our associates a team environment, great benefits and ongoing training and support. If you are in alignment with our values of integrity, transparency, professionalism, teamwork, and respect - now might be the time for you to accelerate your career as part of the best company in automotive retail.

Position Summary

• We are seeking a Payroll Manager to lead and oversee end-to-end payroll operations within a complex, multi-entity corporate environment.
• This role will provide hands-on leadership, ensure accurate and compliant payroll delivery, and partner closely with key stakeholders across the organization.

Impact & Opportunity

• This is a high-impact role responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence across Group 1 Automotive. The Payroll Manager will play a critical role in strengthening controls, improving processes, and supporting a positive employee experience while helping scale payroll operations as the business continues to grow.

• Own overall payroll strategy, governance, and operating model across the organization.
• Establish payroll standards, controls, and compliance frameworks to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Assistant Payroll Manager and payroll team, setting priorities, expectations, and performance standards.
• Serve as the final escalation point for complex payroll issues, audits, regulatory inquiries, and sensitive employee matters.
• Oversee payroll risk management, including internal controls, audit readiness, and issue remediation.
• Lead payroll-related initiatives such as system enhancements, process standardization, scalability planning, and change management.
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to align payroll operations with business objectives.
• Monitor payroll metrics, trends, and KPIs to drive performance, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure payroll systems, vendors, and interfaces are aligned with organizational needs and future growth.
• Provide oversight of payroll reporting, reconciliations, and financial impacts, ensuring accuracy and transparency at the leadership level.
• Guide talent development, succession planning, and capacity planning within the payroll function.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field strongly preferred; equivalent experience (minimum 7 years) considered in lieu of a degree
• 4+ years of experience managing payroll operations in a corporate or enterprise environment, including direct supervision of payroll staff
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification required, or willingness to obtain CPP certification within two years of hire (company-sponsored)
• Minimum 4 years of people leadership experience within a payroll or shared services function, including direct supervision, coaching, and performance management
• Experience overseeing and optimizing payroll and timekeeping systems such as Workday or similar enterprise platforms
• Strong working knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, and wage/hour laws, with accountability for accuracy and audit readiness
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex priorities, drive accountability through critical payroll deadlines, and resolve escalations at the leadership level in a demanding environment
• Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to oversee sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and process discipline

*All applicants must pass pre-employment testing to include: background checks, MVR, and drug testing in order to qualify for employment*

Group 1 Automotive is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify