HR & Payroll Specialist

HR & Payroll Specialist Department: Human Resources Reports To: HR & Payroll Supervisor About the Role We are seeking an experienced HR & Payroll Specialist to support multiple sites. This role is responsible for day-to-day HR administration, employee benefits, DOT compliance, OSHA recordkeeping, workplace safety programs, and payroll processing. The ideal candidate is someone who can work independently, manage multiple priorities, and take ownership of processes from start to finish while partnering with HR leadership on more complex employee relations, compliance, and strategic matters. Experience in a manufacturing, production, warehousing, transportation, or other operational environment is strongly preferred. Duties & Responsibilities Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with employees and managers while providing responsive day-to-day HR support. Serve as a day-to-day HR resource for employees and managers regarding HR processes, policies, and routine employee matters, benefits, and payroll. Coordinate employee onboarding, including pre-employment screenings, Form I-9, E-Verify, HRIS setup, and initial benefit enrollment. Support recruitment efforts by coordinating job postings, reviewing and screening candidates, assisting with interviews, and supporting hiring managers throughout the selection process. Manage day-to-day benefits administration, including new-hire enrollment, qualifying life events, benefit changes, reconciliations, employee support, and annual open enrollment. Maintain accurate employee records in ADP and other applicable HRIS, payroll, and benefit systems. Manage DOT compliance processes, including driver qualification files, MVRs, medical certifications, required testing, expiration tracking, and related audits. Manage OSHA recordkeeping and compliance requirements for assigned locations. Improve and maintain workplace safety programs, training, inspections, incident documentation, and corrective-action tracking. Coordinate workers’ compensation claims, return-to-work documentation, and related reporting. Provide administrative support for FMLA, short-term disability, long-term disability, and other employee leave programs. Coordinate employee offboarding, unemployment claims, and employment verification requests. Support internal and external audits involving payroll, benefits, employee records, DOT, OSHA, workers’ compensation, and other HR-related areas. Maintain HR, payroll, safety compliance and recurring processes to ensure deadlines and requirements are completed timely. Process payroll for multiple sites, including review of timekeeping, PTO, earnings, deductions, employee changes, reconciliations, and payroll reporting. Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal law. Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen controls, and increase accuracy and consistency. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Occupational Safety, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience, required. Three or more years of progressively responsible HR, payroll, compliance, or related experience preferred. Experience supporting multiple companies, locations, or payroll populations preferred. Experience with employee benefits administration preferred. Experience in a manufacturing, production, warehousing, transportation, or similarly operational environment strongly preferred. Experience with DOT compliance and driver qualification files preferred. Experience with OSHA recordkeeping and workplace safety programs preferred. Experience working with workplace safety programs preferred. Experience with workers’ compensation administration preferred. Experience with ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel required. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office environment with frequent computer and standard office equipment use. Regular walking throughout office, manufacturing, warehouse, and other operational areas will be required. Exposure to noise, machinery, varying temperatures, and other conditions typical of an operational environment may occur. Required personal protective equipment must be worn when applicable. Some travel between company locations may be required. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Company Benefits Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life and Short Term Disability Generous Holiday Policy Vacation, Sick and Personal Time 401(k) with Employer Match Additional Information This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may be modified or assigned based on business needs. The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.