Senior HR Specialist

The Senior HR Specialist will play a key role in supporting comprehensive human resources functions for the organization, with primary responsibility for HR operations in New Jersey. This position partners closely with leadership, employees, payroll, and external vendors to ensure effective administration of benefits, compliance, employee relations, and HR programs. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and well-versed in state and federal employment regulations, particularly New Jersey requirements.

Responsibilities:

· Administer employee benefit programs, including health, dental, life, disability, workers compensation, FMLA, and COBRA.

· Serve as a key point of contact for employees with questions regarding benefit plans and assist with claim resolutions.

· Oversee employee onboarding, orientation, and benefits enrollment; present benefits packages during orientation and facilitate 401(k) education and participation.

· Ensure employment-related documentation and reports are filed accurately with the appropriate regulatory bodies.

· Manage compensation programs and coordinate performance evaluations; recommend improvements as necessary.

· Participate in the review and selection of benefit plan offerings in partnership with senior management.

· Oversee the recruitment process including job postings, background checks, drug screenings, and E-Verify/I-9 compliance.

· Maintain and update personnel policies and procedures and ensure adherence to the Employee Handbook.

· Maintain secure, accurate, and confidential digital employee records.

· Serve as liaison between employees, payroll, legal counsel, and insurance providers on HR-related issues.

· Conduct employee counseling, address grievances, and manage outplacement and exit interviews.

· Represent the company in unemployment claims and external HR-related inquiries.

· Review and approve employee travel documentation in accordance with company policy.

· Support a culture of continuous improvement in partnership with department heads and leadership.

· Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on HR issues, exercising sound judgment and discretion.

Job Requirements:

· Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (HR concentration preferred)

· Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience; experience in a manufacturing or regulated environment preferred

· Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, with emphasis on New Jersey regulations

· Experience administering FMLA and state-specific leave programs

· Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment

· Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

· Experience with Paylocity or other HRIS systems preferred

· High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling confidential information

Work Environment & Schedule:

This position operates in a professional office environment within a manufacturing facility. The role requires the regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, and filing systems.

· Full-time position, Monday through Friday 9 AM 5PM

· Primarily on-site in Clifton, NJ

· Minimal travel may be required for training, recruitment, or corporate events.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary position, though occasional lifting of files, opening filing cabinets, and extended periods of computer use may be required.

Core Competencies:

1. Human Resources Expertise

2. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

3. Confidentiality and Integrity

4. Strategic Thinking

5. Organizational and Time Management Skills

c-