Johannesburg: Payroll Manager posted by Edgexec (Pty) Ltd

Payroll Manager | Randburg | Permanent

Own the end-to-end payroll engine for a large, fast-moving operation. If you thrive on accuracy at scale and enjoy improving processes that keep thousands paid on time, this role is for you.

Youll lead the monthly and weekly payroll cycles for a workforce of approximately 3,200 employees, ensuring timely, compliant and accurate payments. Youll manage a small team of payroll specialists, tighten controls, and drive automation across systems and reporting. Partnering closely with HR and Finance, you will resolve complex queries, reconcile payroll accounts, and keep stakeholders confident with clear MI and audit-ready documentation.

Our client is a national logistics and courier business with high operational tempo and multiple employment categories. Theyre growing through acquisition and require a pragmatic payroll leader who can integrate new entities, standardise policies and keep the machine running smoothly while elevating the function.

What Youll Do
Manage full payroll operations for 3,200 employees across monthly and weekly runs
Lead, coach and quality-assure a team of payroll specialists
Oversee statutory submissions: PAYE EMP201 (monthly), year-end PAYE, IRP5 issuance, UIF declarations, Employment Equity and COIDA/Return of Earnings
Handle complex calculations and compliance: overtime, shift premiums, bonuses, garnishments, deductions and tax directives
Reconcile payroll to GL, partner with Finance on month-end and audits, and deliver accurate management reports and projections
Integrate newly acquired entities into existing payroll systems and standards
Maintain data integrity, confidentiality and robust internal controls
Liaise with HR on onboarding/offboarding, benefits, and policy adherence
Evaluate vendors and tools; streamline processes to reduce cycle time and errors

What You Bring
Proven experience managing high-volume payrolls (1,000+ headcount; logistics or industrial environments advantageous)
Strong working knowledge of South African payroll legislation and tax compliance
Hands-on expertise with payroll systems: Pastel Payroll, VIP Payroll and/or People 300
Advanced Excel/reporting skills and comfort with reconciliations and audits
Team leadership experience with a track record of upskilling and performance management
Calm, service-oriented problem solver able to resolve queries quickly and professionally
High integrity with meticulous attention to detail and strong documentation discipline

What Success Looks Like
Every run on time, error rates trending down, and clean reconciliations each month
Zero missed statutory deadlines; audit findings addressed proactively
Standardised processes and controls that scale with growth and acquisitions
Clear dashboards and reports that help the COO/CFO forecast cost and headcount
A capable, engaged payroll team delivering responsive service to the business