Payroll & People and Culture Team Lead (18-Month Contract)

J-AAR is forging a future as a premier construction leader in Canada, rooted in the founding vision of John and Loralee Aarts in 1982 with a commitment to foster an environment where everyone can achieve their fullest potential, supported by the belief in others more than they believe in themselves.

We empower our team members to unlock their full potential on collaborative construction projects, with transformative results for our customers, communities, and individuals engaged in all the projects we are involved in.

We are seeking a salaried Payroll & People and Culture Team Lead who is aspiring to reach their potential in the field of construction, reporting to the Senior Manager, People and Culture. The Payroll & People and Culture Team Lead (18-month contract) provides leadership, oversight, and subject-matter expertise across payroll operations and the People and Culture programs. This role ensures payroll accuracy and compliance within a unionized environment while supporting the People & Culture team through strong systems, processes, and collaboration.

While supporting a construction environment you will be working within an office environment. You may be required on occasion to visit construction sites. You will have the ability to work the occasional evenings and weekends. Your support may be required outside of normal work hours, regular working hours are 8:00 to 5:00 Monday to Friday.

How you will make an IMPACT

• Ensure union agreement administration and payroll compliance are executed in accordance with collective agreements and legislative requirements.
• Provide oversight and support for payroll processing activities, including reconciliation of payroll journal entries for assigned companies.
• Ensure accuracy, reconciliation, and timely filing of year-end T4s and tax slips.
• Ensure all government remittances, including EHT and WSIB, are prepared and filed accurately and within required deadlines.
• Oversee benefits and RRSP administration, including payments, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Support and assist with payroll, RRSP, and benefits audits.
• Ensure HRIS data aligns accurately with payroll systems.
• Ensure the payroll team is fully cross trained.
• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of payroll and People & Culture policies, programs, and procedures.
• Ensure accurate and comprehensive employee records are maintained within the HRIS.
• Provide guidance and support to recruitment and selection activities.
• Assist with maintaining current job descriptions.
• Conduct workplace investigations.
• Ensure the accurate preparation and administration of employment documentation in line with legal and company requirements.
• Prepare and review general forms, letters, reports, and memos as required.
• Ensure personnel files and records are accessed only by authorized parties.
• Review and support the preparation of personnel-related metrics and reports (hires, transfers, performance, absenteeism, etc.).
• Support internal and external training initiatives.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones reviews with direct reports.
• Promote compliance with all regulations, company policies, and Health & Safety standards.
• Encourage collaboration, and continuous improvement across the team.
• Other duties relevant to the role may be assigned as required.

How you WOW us

• A University or College Diploma, preferably in business human resources, accounting, payroll, or a related field.
• Obtained Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP).
• 100+ employee payroll process experience in a union environment is mandatory.
• 5 years of relevant experience in a payroll role.
• Previous Team Lead and Supervisory skills.
• Experience with Maestro Payroll System is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills both verbal and written.
• Excellent organizational, analytical skills, and detail oriented.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience with using a HRIS system (Collage HR experience would be an asset).
• Can adhere to the strictest confidentiality requirements.
• Experience in union relations would be an asset.
• Strong work ethic.
• Demonstrated commitment to Health & Safety.

How we TAKE CARE of our PEOPLE

• A team member focused culture with a common objective of finding out what we are capable of and reaching our potential.
• Skill building, training opportunities, career support.
• We Celebrate our Achievements: holiday parties, BBQs, fishing derby, sporting event tickets, golf days, and so much more!

We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. J-AAR welcomes all applicants and is committed to a diverse workforce. If you require accommodation, please contact the People and Culture Department.