Payroll Manager (12-18 Month Contract)

Company Overview

Sysco Ireland is part of a global foodservice business that connects people through food, service, and innovative solutions. The company supports restaurants, healthcare providers, educational institutions, hospitality venues, and other customers that prepare meals outside the home. In Ireland, Sysco is a major foodservice provider, driven by committed people who aim to deliver quality, reliability, and fresh thinking every day.

This role offers the chance to join a growing organisation where payroll and rewards support play an important part in helping the business continue to develop and serve customers effectively.

Role Summary

Sysco is seeking a Payroll Manager for a 12 to 18 month contract in Newcastle West, Limerick. Reporting to the HR Director, you will lead the payroll operation for the business and manage a team of 5 Payroll Analysts and 1 Project Manager. You will also work closely with HR Business Partners and contribute to regular payroll delivery across the organisation.

Key Accountabilities

• Oversee the processing of several payrolls across business units in Ireland and Northern Ireland, ensuring accurate information is shared with external partners.
• Prepare compensation and rewards cost information for senior management.
• Offer practical, informed, and professional guidance to managers on reward and benefits matters.
• Design and roll out new variable pay arrangements where needed, including support for annual incentive programme design and updates.
• Build and maintain a strong network of contacts, staying current with developments in rewards and benefits, including rules, practices, and regulations, so the company’s offering remains competitive and relevant.
• Handle monthly accruals, prepayments, analysis, and accounting entries related to compensation and rewards.
• Work with Finance on monthly statement preparation and annual audit requirements.
• Maintain and improve related policies and procedures as business needs evolve.

Requirements

• Proven background as a Payroll Manager, ideally in a large, complex, multi-site organisation.
• Prior experience managing payroll for both Ireland and the UK.
• IPASS qualification, or an equivalent credential.
• Experience using a computerised time and attendance system.
• Working knowledge of employment law as it relates to reward and pensions.
• Experience creating effective communication around reward initiatives is strongly preferred.
• Confidence leading and delivering projects across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong consultancy and relationship-building capability.
• Ability to interpret internal and external data and turn it into useful insight.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience producing reports from HR systems.

Core Competencies

• Customer focus with the ability to understand stakeholder needs beyond the obvious request.
• Flexibility and adaptability, including awareness of how change affects people and how to support change initiatives.
• Ability to build constructive relationships across teams and departments while communicating effectively.
• Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences and levels of the business.

Culture

• A strong customer-first mindset focused on delivering value.
• A collaborative approach that values relationships and teamwork.
• Clear, effective communication across the business.
• A passion for food and for supporting memorable dining experiences.

Additional Information

The duties and requirements listed here are not fixed and may be updated from time to time to reflect changing business needs. Sysco Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.