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Posted 01 August, 2026

Payroll & Benefits Manager

LHH US
Chicago, IL, US Full Time

Job Description

Job Description
Interim Payroll & Benefits Manager

Chicago, IL (Loop) | Hybrid (2 Days Onsite) Salary: $125,000-135,000 Annually + Bonus Interim with potential for FTE

Are you a hands-on Payroll & Benefits leader who thrives on solving complex challenges and improving processes? We are seeking an Interim Payroll & Benefits Manager to step into a critical role and stabilize, optimize, and lead payroll operations while overseeing benefits selection and implementation for a multi-state workforce.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys assessing existing processes, identifying gaps, implementing solutions, and creating a more efficient payroll function.

What You'll Do
  • Take ownership of a payroll process that requires improvement and implement best practices to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
  • Manage end-to-end payroll operations for employees located across multiple states with varying tax jurisdictions and regulatory requirements.
  • Review payroll workflows, identify process breakdowns, and develop sustainable solutions to improve payroll accuracy and timeliness.
  • Partner with HR, Finance, and leadership to ensure seamless payroll operations and reporting.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll escalations, audits, reconciliations, and compliance matters.
  • Overseeing benefits selection and implementation, as main point of contact with external benefit vendors and brokers.
  • Manage employee benefit enrollments, changes, and issue resolution while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Support reporting, analytics, and recommendations related to payroll and benefits programs.
  • Ensure policies, procedures, and controls are properly documented and followed.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of payroll management experience, preferably in a complex multi-state environment.
  • Paycom experience strongly preferred
  • Proven success evaluating and improving payroll processes and controls.
  • Strong understanding of multi-state payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Experience in benefits selection and vendor negotiations upon insurance, retirement, wellness, and other value-added benefits
  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly assess issues and implement effective solutions.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Accounting, or related field preferred.
What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is not just a payroll processor-they are a payroll problem solver. We need someone who can quickly evaluate a challenged payroll process, identify root causes, implement improvements, and build a more efficient and compliant operation while simultaneously managing benefits administration for a growing multi-state workforce.

Work Arrangement
  • Hybrid schedule: 2 days onsite in Chicago Loop office
  • 3 days remote
  • Collaborative and fast-paced environment
Pay Details: $62.00 to $66.00 per hour

Search managed by: Marissa Osorio

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.