Payroll Manager - Townsville

About the company

Wilmar Sugar Australia sits within Wilmar International, a major global agribusiness group with roughly 100,000 employees across more than 30 countries and regions. In Australia and New Zealand, the business operates through two core divisions, Sugar & Renewables and Sweeteners, and employs more than 2,400 people during peak seasonal periods. Its corporate offices are located in Melbourne, Brisbane, Townsville, and Auckland.

Wilmar Sugar & Renewables is Australia’s largest raw sugar manufacturer and among the world’s top 10 sugar producers. The company operates eight sugar mills across North Queensland and is also a significant producer of renewable electricity from biomass, a major bioethanol supplier, the country’s largest sugarcane grower, and an important provider of sustainable fertiliser and stockfeed.

About the role

This position is responsible for leading payroll operations for a large, complex workforce, making sure employees are paid correctly and on schedule, while meeting legislative, enterprise agreement, and internal policy obligations.

In this fast-moving operational setting, you will guide a capable payroll team and oversee compliance, reporting, governance, and improvement initiatives across multiple locations and a workforce made up of both salaried and hourly-paid employees.

You will partner closely with People & Culture, Finance, and operational leaders to improve payroll efficiency, manage risk, and provide strong service across the business. The role also plays an important part in building team capability, refining systems and processes, and promoting a culture of accuracy, ownership, and collaboration.

You will join a supportive corporate team with real career growth opportunities, along with a workplace culture that includes Tropical Shirt Fridays.

Key responsibilities

• Guide and develop the payroll team to strengthen capability, accountability, and service delivery.
• Run payroll operations end to end for a large and varied employee base.
• Ensure payroll activities comply with laws, awards, enterprise agreements, taxation rules, and superannuation obligations.
• Manage payroll reporting, reconciliations, audits, and year-end activities.
• Introduce process improvements, efficiency gains, and system enhancements within payroll.
• Work with People & Culture, Finance, and operational stakeholders to resolve payroll issues and provide specialist advice.
• Support governance and risk management activities to maintain accurate and compliant payroll outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts that lift employee experience and payroll performance.

About you

To succeed in this role, you should bring senior payroll leadership experience in a large and complex organisation, along with a strong understanding of Australian payroll legislation, taxation, superannuation, awards, and enterprise agreements.

You will also need proven capability in payroll compliance, reporting, and audit processes, as well as experience leading and developing teams in high-volume environments. Strong stakeholder management, practical problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle competing priorities and deadlines are essential.

Experience in manufacturing, industrial, agriculture, mining, or similar complex operating environments is desirable, as is working knowledge of SAP Payroll or another HRIS/payroll platform. Exposure to payroll improvement projects, system implementations, and seasonal or multi-site payroll operations will also be highly regarded.

A relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field is desirable.

Why work here

• Salary packaging options may be available, including superannuation, novated leases, and other eligible benefits.
• Access to novated vehicle leasing through Fleetplus, offering flexible lease and maintenance arrangements.
• Employer superannuation contribution of 14.5%, plus member benefits through the Wilmar Super Plan.
• Employee discounts and rewards across fuel, technology, travel, and leading retail brands.
• Health and wellbeing support, including EAP, Medibank corporate cover, and eyewear savings.
• Travel and lifestyle discounts on car hire, hotels, and flights.
• Recognition and giving programs, including milestone service awards, Values Awards, and charity giving options.

Recruitment checks

If you progress through the hiring process, you will be asked to complete drug and alcohol screening and medical assessments. Because of the nature of the position, a National Police Check will also be required.

Equal opportunity

Wilmar is an equal opportunity employer.

Business unit

Corporate