Payroll Manager

About Us:
Since 1935, we’ve been on a mission to bring a little extra happiness to everyday life and inspire connections over food. We select the finest ingredients the world has to offer, craft premium products made with love, and never settle for shortcuts. We believe that when we share our food, we share a part of ourselves — and that’s the only way we’d put our name on it. 

Today, our small family company has grown into a national leader in specialty olives, peppers, and sauces under the leadership of CEO Jeff Mezzetta, and our commitment to quality has never wavered. With an 80-year legacy behind us and a bright future ahead, we’re seeking passionate, driven candidates to help us bring our cherished family traditions to a new generation.

The ideal candidate will have an immediate connection to our Core Ingredients:  

• Crunchy Crunchy: We are hungry for excellence.
• Own It: We think and act as an owner – with appetite, initiative, and responsibility.
• Connection: We build authentic relationships that foster trust and open communications.
• Vibrance: We come to work eager and passionate about fulfilling our vision. When we share our work, we share a part of who we are.

The Role

The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of payroll, including, but not limited to, accurate and timely processing payroll for all hourly (weekly) and salary (bi-weekly) employees, ensuring the business is compliant in all aspects with regard to federal, state, and local legal requirements for Consumer Package Goods and manufacturing operations.  The Payroll Manager will oversee end-to-end payroll operations using ADP and ADP Timeclock system, supporting production, warehouse and administrative employees.  This position will serve as a key partner to HR and Finance to streamline processes and identify patterns and/or practices that are not consistent with best practices in the industry. The Payroll Manager is well versed in the utilization of the data capabilities within ADP for Custom Reporting and G/L Interface and can collaborate with IT to drive system improvements that make payroll and Month End close seamless and stress-free. 

What you'll do: 

• Oversee and manage payroll processing for >300 employees and Agency employees ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Handle any issues or discrepancies that arise. 
• Create, prepare and distribute ADP reports as required, to assist business partners to manage and improve productivity.
• Lead, support, and develop payroll staff to maintain a high-performance team culture.
• Respond to payroll inquiries from employees and partners with clarity, professionalism, and empathy.
• Coordinate internal and external payroll audits, ensuring accurate documentation and procedures are in place.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure alignment between payroll, financial records, and business operations.
• Manage general ledger postings, reconciliations, and payroll-related financial reporting.
• Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies using ADP and other tools.
• Stay current on payroll regulations, compliance updates, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with HR (as needed) on 401(k) annual audits.
• Coordinate the generation of the annual W2 Statements. Process amendments and generate corrected W2’s as needed.
• Lead development and implementation of payroll practices, policies and procedures.
• Maintains payroll guidelines by writing and updating policies and procedures as needed
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws—including tax regulations and wage and hour rules; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on necessary action items.
• Handle sensitive information and documents with a high degree of confidentiality.  

Who you are and what you’ll need for this position: 

• Proficient ADP experience (including TimeClock Plus) processing payroll for a minimum employee base of 200.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Demonstrated ability to calculate figures and amounts such as deductions and accruals.
• Experience working in the manufacturing sector in multi-shift environment strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication. Bi-lingual in English and Spanish a plus but not required.
• Strong problem-solving, leadership, communication (written and verbal) and team management skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to evaluate and optimize processes and procedures
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.
• Self-motivated and possesses a strong work-ethic.
• Experience with 401(K) administration preferred. 
• 4 days/week onsite required.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace:
At Mezzetta, we embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where you know you belong. Part of that commitment includes a zero-tolerance policy and being an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Mezzetta are solely based on merit, qualifications, abilities and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, family or parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. All of us share in the responsibility of fulfilling this commitment and creating a culture where our team can thrive.