_{25th August, 2026}

About the Company

Elite Executive is proud to partner with a long-established and highly regarded regional employer in Far North Queensland to recruit their next Payroll Leader.

Employing approximately 350 people across operational and corporate functions, this organisation operates within a complex industrial environment and is committed to continuous improvement, operational excellence and investing in its people.

This is an opportunity to join a stable business where payroll is recognised as a critical business function and valued by senior leadership.


About the Role

The Payroll Leader will oversee the delivery of accurate, compliant and customer-focused payroll services while leading a capable and experienced payroll team.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity suited to someone who enjoys solving complex payroll challenges, improving systems and partnering with stakeholders across Finance, HR and Operations.

Beyond managing payroll, you will become the organisation's payroll subject matter expert, providing advice to leaders, driving continuous improvement initiatives and helping shape the future direction of payroll reporting and workforce data.

With significant payroll systems planning and enhancement initiatives on the horizon, this role offers the opportunity to influence improved payroll reporting, workforce planning and payroll systems capability.


Your Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the end-to-end payroll function across weekly and monthly payrolls, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely payroll delivery while providing technical leadership and support to the Payroll Officer.
• Act as the organisation's payroll subject matter expert, confidently interpreting Enterprise Agreements and payroll legislation, resolving complex payroll matters, driving systems enhancements and continuous improvement initiatives, and helping shape improved payroll reporting, workforce planning and payroll systems capability.
• Partner closely with Finance, HR and operational leaders to build trusted relationships, translate payroll data into clear business insights, and provide solutions-focused advice that supports informed business decision-making.

   
Skills and Experience Required

• Demonstrated experience leading payroll within a medium to large, complex organisation.
• Extensive knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, Awards, Enterprise Agreements and payroll compliance.
• Experience with enterprise payroll systems such as SAP, UKG Dimensions or similar.
• Exposure to payroll system implementations, upgrades or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to engage leaders across the business.
• Experience within manufacturing, industrial, agriculture, mining or similarly operational environments will be highly regarded.

Benefits 

• Attractive salary package of $120,000-$140,000 plus Superannuation.
• Opportunity to lead an established and respected payroll function.
• Play a key role in upcoming payroll systems transformation projects.
• Relocation assistance (if relevant) available for the successful candidate.
• Join a collaborative executive team that values continuous improvement and innovation.

If you are an experienced payroll professional looking to combine technical expertise, leadership and systems improvement within a large and complex organisation, we would welcome your application. 

How to Apply

Please apply via the link, including a cover letter and a recent copy of your resume. Shortlisted candidates will receive further details about the role.

Closing date for applications will be 1700hrs Friday 25th September 2026
Applications will be reviewed as received and suitable candidates may be progressed prior to the closing date.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and suitable candidates progressed without delay.

Please note that all communication with Elite Executive is maintained strictly confidential. No information will be forwarded to any party without your permission as we respect your right to explore employment opportunities.

At Elite Executive we are committed to creating inclusive workplaces that promote and value diversity and inclusion. We encourage and welcome people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply.

ONLY APPLICANTS WITH THE RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE.

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