HR Operations and Payroll Specialist

HR Operations Specialist

The HR Operations Specialist plays a critical role in delivering high quality HR operational support, ensuring data accuracy, maintaining compliance, and creating an exceptional employee experience. This role provides comprehensive HR and administrative support across all U.S. plant locations and serves as a key point of contact for employees and leaders.

The Specialist manages a wide range of HR processes including onboarding/offboarding, benefits administration, absence and time management, payroll reporting and processing, recruiting coordination, and inquiry management. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, skilled in HRIS systems (Workday preferred), and thrives in a fast paced, service focused environment. The HR Operations Team Lead works closely with this position and oversees the work to ensure consistent execution across locations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for HR operational inquiries through the case management system and approved support channels
• Resolve standard requests related to HR policies, benefits, leave, pay, timekeeping, HRIS data, and employee information changes
• Intake, triage, research, and resolve inquiries; extend complex or sensitive issues appropriately
• Support onboarding, employee setup, orientation logistics, and offboarding activities
• Maintain confidentiality and communicate clearly and professionally

• Support end-to-end payroll activities, including preparation, input validation, and issue resolution
• Process and validate payroll data such as effective dates, earnings, deductions, taxes, and work locations across all U.S. sites
• Perform payroll audits and quality checks to ensure accuracy and compliance before final processing
• Partner with Payroll to resolve discrepancies, off-cycle payments, and complex pay issues
• Serve as a resource for employees and managers on pay and timekeeping-related questions
• Identify recurring payroll or data issues and recommend improvements or elevate system concerns

• Provide guidance on timekeeping processes, including correcting punches, transfers, and schedules
• Support employees with benefits navigation, enrollment, and life event changes
• Direct employees to appropriate vendors and resources when needed

• Provide backup support to HR Business Partners as needed across U.S. locations
• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, Finance, and plant leadership on HR initiatives and projects

• Act as a subject matter resource on HR operational processes and data standards
• Ensure compliance with internal processes and support audits and reporting needs
• Recommend and support process improvements to increase efficiency and consistency

• Work independently, applying sound judgment and consistent decision-making
• Contribute to HR Operations initiatives focused on standardization and employee experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field
• 3+ years of experience in HR operations with direct, hands‑on payroll processing experience required
• Experience processing payroll in any HRIS or payroll system (Workday preferred but not required)
• Strong communication skills and customer service orientation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
• Knowledge of payroll, benefits, hiring, and compliance processes
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across locations

• Experience with Workday HCM and/or Workday Payroll
• Experience in a multi‑location or manufacturing environment
• Experience in an HR Service Center or HR Contact Center model
• Familiarity with case management tools (Service Now, Fresh Works, etc.)
• High level of professionalism, adaptability, and confidentiality

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.