Payroll and Benefits Manager

The Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of payroll and employee benefit programs for a manufacturing workforce that includes hourly and salaried employees. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, ERISA and other benefit regulations, and internal policies, while partnering closely with HR, Finance, and Operations to support employees and business objectives.

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees, including shift differentials, overtime, premiums, bonuses, and special pay in a manufacturing environment.
• Ensure compliance with FLSA, state and local wage and hour laws, and union agreements if applicable.
• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement, and ancillary benefits.
• Lead annual Open Enrollment planning, employee communications, system configuration, and post-enrollment audits.
• Maintain accurate payroll and benefits records, including new hires, terminations, job changes, and eligibility updates.
• Ensure accurate payroll tax filings, W-2s, and ACA reporting.
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, and retirement plans.
• Serve as system administrator for HRIS and payroll platforms.
• Administer and coordinate FMLA processes, including leave tracking, eligibility determination, required notices, coordination with payroll and benefits, and return-to-work administration.
• Ensure FMLA administration is compliant with federal and applicable state leave laws and is coordinated accurately with payroll, benefits deductions, and job protection requirements.
• Partner with HR leadership, managers, and third-party leave administrators (if applicable) to ensure consistent, compliant leave administration.
• Maintain accurate leave records and documentation to support audits, compliance, and employee inquiries.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities related to payroll and benefits processesli>
• Communicate clearly and professionally with employees and collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Operations, and vendors.
• Administer and support the Company’s defined benefit (pension) plan, including coordination with third-party administrators, actuaries, auditors, and legal counsel.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS, PBGC, and DOL requirements applicable to defined benefit plans.
• Support annual actuarial valuations, funding notices, Form 5500 filings, and required participant communications.
• Maintain accurate pension eligibility, service credit, and employment data to support benefit calculations.
• Assist with pension audits, due diligence requests, and regulatory inquiries as required.
• Respond to employee inquiries related to pension benefits in a professional, clear, and compliant manner.

• High level of professionalism with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrates initiative and accountability in identifying, addressing, and resolving payroll and benefits issues.
• Committed to continuous improvement through process optimization and best-practice adoption.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and ERISA-governed benefit plans.
• Advanced proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems (Paycor and ADP) and Microsoft Excel.
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Minimum 5–7 years of payroll and benefits administration experience.
• Manufacturing or industrial environment experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting hourly, shift-based, and multi-state payroll preferred.
• Prior experience administering ERISA-governed benefit plans required.

• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to work in an office environment with occasional presence on the manufacturing floor
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• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

LLFlex provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable law. Qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans will be provided accommodations unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on business operations.