Payroll Team Leader

About Viva Energy

Viva Energy is a major Australian retail, industrial, and energy company with a history spanning more than 120 years. The business supports the country’s changing energy and convenience needs and is actively working toward lower-carbon energy solutions as part of Australia’s energy transition. Through brands and acquisitions including Reddy Express, OTR, Coles Express, and OTR, the company delivers a wide convenience network across Australia.

The organisation places people at the centre of its strategy. It encourages fresh thinking, energy, and passion, and offers an environment where employees can develop their careers while helping shape the future of the business.

Viva Energy also places strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The company promotes an environment where people can be themselves, contribute their perspectives, and feel trusted and empowered. It has also been recognised as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for five consecutive years.

Role overview

This opportunity sits within OTR, part of the Viva Energy Group, at a time of major transformation. As part of a newly reorganised People & Culture function, the position is ideal for an experienced payroll leader who wants to take ownership of a significant, complex, multi-brand retail payroll operation.

The role is responsible for delivering payroll that is accurate, compliant, and on schedule, while also strengthening governance, improving processes, and building team capability. With strong backing from the organisation and a focus on continuous improvement, this position provides scope to influence payroll operations at scale and work closely with senior stakeholders.

The successful candidate will join a high-performing team and have a direct impact on both the employee experience and broader business performance.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the full payroll cycle from start to finish, making sure every run is accurate, timely, and aligned with legal and industrial obligations.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and support to Payroll Officers, building capability, consistency, and a mindset of ongoing improvement.
• Serve as the main technical contact for complex payroll matters, including queries, calculations, corrections, and award or agreement interpretations.
• Put robust controls, reconciliations, audits, and approval processes in place and ensure they are followed.
• Keep a strong working knowledge of awards, enterprise agreements, payroll law, and system settings.
• Spot opportunities to streamline processes and reduce manual work, mistakes, and duplication.
• Work with HR, Retail Operations, Finance, and Systems teams to resolve issues and improve payroll outcomes.
• Manage payroll-related risks, incidents, and remediation activities with clear communication and ownership.
• Ensure payroll documents, procedures, and training resources remain current, practical, and effective.

Qualifications and experience

• Proven background in leading payroll operations within a large and complex organisation.
• Strong technical understanding of payroll legislation, awards, and enterprise agreements.
• Demonstrated success in improving payroll processes, controls, and systems.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and awareness of operational risk.
• Experience managing and developing a team in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.

Additional information

The organisation welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and actively encourages diversity across both traditional and non-traditional roles.

Please note that applications will not be accepted through external recruitment agencies for this position.

Applications close on 24 July 2026.

Work location

Norwood, South Australia, Australia. This is an on-site full-time role.