About The Company
We’re one of Australia’s leading coal producers and we’re proud of it. Coal is in our DNA and our work is critical for people, industries and communities both here in Australia and overseas.
ASX listed, we operate six mines across NSW and QLD, producing metallurgical coal that’s critical for steelmaking and thermal coal that will support the world’s energy security as we move through the energy transition.
Whitehaven Coal is poised for continued growth through the optimisation of existing assets and the assessment of future acquisition opportunities. Our people, values and performance culture underpin our success.
About The Role
Reporting to the Group Manager – Shared Services, the National Payroll Manager is accountable for the accurate, timely and compliant delivery of payroll services across Whitehaven’s national workforce, with direct leadership accountability for the Queensland Payroll Manager and New South Wales Payroll Manager.
This role leads a multi-state payroll function operating within a Shared Services model, ensuring compliance with industrial instruments, legislation, and internal governance frameworks.
The role provides strategic and operational leadership across payroll operations, payroll projects, systems, controls, and continuous improvement, while partnering closely with Finance, People & Culture, and site‑based leaders to support operational continuity and workforce confidence.
What You'll Do
Ensure accurate, complete, and timely payroll processing across all states, entities, and employment types
Ensure strong governance, controls and compliance with payroll legislation and audit requirements
Develop strong working relationships with operational stakeholders
Oversee payroll reconciliations, reporting, and balance sheet integrity
Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis relating to labour and workforce costs
Strengthen payroll processes, accuracy and service outcomes in a high‑volume, time‑critical environment
Drive alignment, consistency and continuous improvement across state‑based payroll operations
Lead payroll related audit activities and projects
Identify and mitigate payroll and compliance risks
Lead, develop, and retain a high‑performing national payroll team
Foster a culture of service excellence, continuous improvement, and professional integrity
What You'll Bring
Tertiary qualification in Business, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources or a related discipline
Extensive senior payroll leadership experience in large, complex, multi‑site organisations (preferably in mining, resources or heavy industry)
Strong working knowledge of Australian payroll legislation, industrial instruments, tax, superannuation, and leave obligations
Proven experience leading payroll within an ERP environment (e.g. SAP, Workday or Oracle)
Demonstrated capability in people leadership, process improvement and change delivery
Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to remain calm, decisive and solutions‑focused under critical payroll timeframes
Why Whitehaven?
Opportunity to lead a critical national function within a growing ASX‑listed organisation
Strong executive support and clear mandate to drive improvement and consistency
Attractive remuneration, performance incentives and long‑term career opportunity