Payroll Benefits Specialist

Payroll and Benefits Manager

A well-established industrial company is hiring an experienced Payroll and Benefits Manager to lead all aspects of payroll operations and employee benefits administration. This role supports both union and non-union workforces, ensuring accurate compensation, compliance with labor agreements, and efficient benefit program delivery. The ideal candidate will be highly detail-oriented with a solid foundation in labor law, payroll systems, and team supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Oversight: Manage the accurate and timely processing of payroll on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, ensuring full compliance with company policy and union contracts.

System Management: Maintain payroll software and systems, updating as needed to reflect current tax laws, wage rules, and collective bargaining agreements.

Union Coordination: Act as a liaison for union-related payroll and benefits concerns, ensuring union terms are followed and audits are supported.

Benefits Administration: Lead benefit enrollment, manage life event changes, and coordinate communications around employee benefit programs including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.

Records & Reporting: Maintain payroll records, manage deductions, oversee year-end processes (including W-2 distribution), and prepare required filings and audit documentation.

Team Leadership: Supervise payroll/benefits staff, providing mentoring, training, and clear expectations for timely, accurate execution.

Process Improvement: Evaluate and refine payroll and benefits workflows to improve accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with HR and other departments to streamline onboarding/offboarding and maintain accurate employee data in HRIS systems.

Compliance: Ensure adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local labor laws-particularly those governing wages, taxes, and healthcare benefits.

Issue Resolution: Serve as the go-to contact for employee payroll or benefits concerns, resolving issues with professionalism and confidentiality.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business, or a related field (preferred).

Experience: 5+ years of payroll and benefits experience, with 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.

Industry Familiarity: Experience in manufacturing, construction, mining, or other industrial sectors strongly preferred.

Technical Skills: Proficient in Excel, payroll software, and HR systems; experience with union payroll and benefit deductions is essential.

Legal Expertise: Strong grasp of federal/state payroll regulations, including ACA reporting, tax filings, and labor laws (especially California and Arizona).

Language: Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.

Compensation & Perks:

Pay: Competitive salary based on experience

Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life coverage

Retirement: 401(k) with company matching

Paid Time Off: Generous PTO and holiday schedule

Extras: Health Savings Account (HSA), professional development opportunities

Work Culture: Collaborative, respectful, and growth-focused environment