Payroll and Benefits Manager

About Socomec Inc.

Socomec (the “Company”) was founded in 1922 and has its global headquarters in France. Socomec designs and manufactures cutting-edge products and solutions within its core areas of expertise: Critical Power, Power Control & Safety, Energy Efficiency, and Energy Storage. With 10% of its annual sales revenue being reinvested into research and development, Socomec even has its very own state-of-the-art testing laboratories.

As an independent manufacturer, with 12 international manufacturing sites, Socomec is known for its innovative, high-quality products. We have grown to a global team of over 3,600 employees. Socomec is comprised of 28 subsidiary companies worldwide, with a strong and growing presence in North America.

About This Role

The Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing payroll and benefits administration for both Canadian and US operations. This role ensures compliance with all relevant regulations, maintains accurate payroll processing, and manages benefits programs to support employee well-being and engagement. The successful candidate will work closely with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and government agencies to ensure smooth and efficient payroll and benefits processes. Additionally, this role will be responsible for managing relationships with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and leading transitions away from a PEO where applicable.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Payroll Administration:

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for employees in Canada and the US, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payment.
• Ensure payroll is processed in accordance with federal, state/provincial, and local regulations.
• Partner with Finance and Accounting teams to reconcile payroll transactions and reporting.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation in compliance with legal requirements.
• Manage payroll audits, tax filings, and year-end reporting, including T4s, W-2s, and other relevant documents.
• Work closely with a PEO to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance and oversee the transition of payroll functions from a PEO to an in-house model as needed.

Benefits Administration:

• Manage and administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, disability insurance, and other company-sponsored programs for both Canada and the US.
• Act as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits inquiries and issue resolution.
• Ensure benefits programs are compliant with applicable laws and regulations, including ACA (US), CPP/EI (Canada), and provincial/state requirements.
• Collaborate with brokers and vendors to evaluate and recommend benefit plan enhancements.
• Coordinate annual benefits enrollment and employee communications related to benefits.
• Partner with a PEO to manage benefits offerings and facilitate a seamless transition away from a PEO when necessary.
• Lead wellness programs and initiatives based on health coverage offerings

Vendor Management:

• Serve as the primary liaison for benefit brokers and vendors, ensuring effective management of multiple lines of coverage while optimizing plan design and cost efficiency.
• Drive vendor performance management, negotiating contracts, monitoring service levels, and addressing escalations to ensure high-quality employee support.
• Lead the annual renewal and RFP process for benefit plan providers, driving cost savings and program enhancements.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Stay up to date with payroll and benefits regulations in both countries to ensure company compliance.
• Prepare and submit required government filings and reports related to payroll and benefits.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to enhance payroll and benefits administration efficiency.
• Support audits and resolve discrepancies related to payroll, benefits, and tax matters.

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Supervise and mentor payroll and benefits staff as needed.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Legal teams to support strategic initiatives related to total rewards and compliance.
• Provide insights and recommendations on compensation, benefits, and payroll strategies to align with business goals.

Essential Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation is required.
• 8 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration, preferably in a cross-border (Canada & US) environment.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems and HRIS platforms; experience with ADP, TriNet, and Oracle would be an asset.
• Deep understanding of Canadian and US payroll regulations, tax laws, and benefits administration.
• Experience working with multi-state/province payroll administration.
• Experience working with a PEO and leading transitions away from PEO-managed payroll and benefits.
• Previous experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Prior experience with managing a benefit broker relationship
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across functions.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance local and global requirements.

Working Conditions:

• Occasional travel to USA and Canadian locations.
• Ability to respond to urgent quality-related matters as needed.

Work Authorization

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

If you believe you have the necessary skills and experience for this job, please upload your résumé and apply through LinkedIn.

Upon request, we will provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities to support participation of candidates in all aspects of the recruitment process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

We thank all those who apply. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.