Applications Analyst - Payroll & Timekeeping Systems Specialist

Job description

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday. Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development. We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more. Come build a career you believe in. About the Role As an Applications Analyst – Payroll Technical Specialist at Zekelman Industries, you will play a critical role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across U.S. and Canadian operations. This position is responsible for the administration, optimization, and support of UKG and Workday payroll systems supporting both union and non-union employees. This is a hybrid position from our Chicago, IL office. You will serve as a key liaison between Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and plant leadership to support payroll system performance, integrations, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role sits within the Information Technology organization and directly supports enterprise-wide payroll operations. This role is ideal for a technologically savvy payroll professional who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-site manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex system and integration challenges. What You’ll Do Administer, configure, and maintain UKG and Workday payroll systems supporting U.S. and Canadian union and non-union operations. Ensure seamless integration between time and attendance, HRIS, and payroll modules. Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot inbound and outbound UKG integrations to ensure accurate and secure data exchange. Resolve payroll system and integration issues proactively to minimize business disruption. Partner with HR, Finance, IT, and plant leadership to implement system changes, union contract updates, and process improvements. Provide technical and functional support to payroll, HR teams, and plant payroll contacts. Lead configuration, testing, and deployment of payroll system enhancements and integrations. Generate, analyze, and distribute payroll reporting for compliance, audits, management, and union-specific requirements. Utilize advanced Excel skills to perform reconciliations, data analysis, and payroll reporting. Develop, maintain, and deliver payroll system documentation and end-user training. Stay current on payroll regulations, system upgrades, and best practices to drive automation and efficiency. Lead and promote healthy and safe work practices as required by regulatory agencies and Company policy. Who You Are 3+ years of direct payroll experience in a multi-site manufacturing environment. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience. Hands-on experience administering UKG and Workday Payroll systems. Strong technical knowledge of UKG payroll configuration, integrations, troubleshooting, and reporting. Working knowledge of Boomi or other enterprise integration platforms. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex data analysis and reconciliations. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply union contract payroll provisions. Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills. Clear and effective communication skills with the ability to support non-technical users. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Professional payroll or HRIS certifications such as CPP, Workday Pro, or UKG Pro preferred. Legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada with the ability to travel between countries as needed. What You’ll Get Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, loyalty awards, and much more: Competitive Compensation Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities 401(k) with Company Match Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance Tuition Assistance Program Paid Vacation & Holidays Employee Loyalty Awards Compensation & Benefits Below is the expected base salary range for this position. This is a good-faith estimate, and offers will be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and interview performance. Annual Salary Range - $70K - 122K We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time. Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more. M/F/D/V We are Zekelman Industries. We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers. We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.