Manager, Payroll

Group 1 Automotive•Houston, TX

17h

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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.