HR Operations, Payroll & Benefits Specialist

HR Operations, Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $80,000-$100,000
FLSA: Salary, Exempt
Schedule: Mon-Fri
Location: South Bend, Indiana
Travel: Limited

The HR Operations Payroll & Benefits Specialist manages and administers all activities related to the company’s multi‑state, multi‑entity payroll and employee benefits, including developing, implementing, and monitoring processes, policies, and data correctness. This individual will be the company’s subject‑matter expert for payroll and benefits for all U.S. locations and will also lead HR operations for our bioethanol plant in South Bend, IN.

The position reports to the Head of HR and offers full‑time, exempt, salary compensation with health, dental, vision, 401(k), vacation and other benefits.

• Collaborate with the Head of HR and local leadership to implement best HR practices that build culture, increase retention, and engagement.
• Ensure the accuracy and processing of bi‑weekly payroll for hourly, shift, salaried, and temporary employees in multi‑company, multi‑state operations, including reviewing and importing hours, administering regulatory requirements (e.g., garnishments, tax levies), and making necessary pay adjustments.
• Ensure all company policies and guidelines are strictly followed and that all required payroll documents are obtained and stored in the employee file.
• Provide payroll reports and funding information to the GL Accounting team with each payroll cycle.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and prepare required reports such as EEO‑1, ACA non‑discrimination testing, and other statutory filings.
• Administer time and paid leave policies for all employees and support payroll processing of leave.
• Produce ad‑hoc payroll and HR reports as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee and company information.
• Support local management and South Bend employees with all HR‑related matters.
• Coordinate with Finance, HR, vendors, and third‑party administrators to ensure seamless reporting and reconciliation.
• Participate in audits, system implementations, and organizational initiatives related to payroll and benefits.
• Conduct regular reviews and audits of benefits enrollment to ensure information accuracy.
• Work closely with the accounting team for quarterly and year‑end audits (payroll, Workers’ Compensation, 401(k), etc.).
• Assist with the annual benefits open‑enrollment process, including reporting, analysis, and processing changes within deadlines.
• Address employee benefit inquiries, maintain contact with employees to facilitate proper utilization of benefits, and manage inquiries related to 401(k) enrollments and plan audits.
• Review invoices with carriers and pay payroll for benefits, reconciling monthly invoices and resolving discrepancies.
• Coordinate with third‑party administrators to manage disability claims and process third‑party sick pay via payroll.
• Handle all leave requests and manage FMLA, maternity, paternity, LOA, STD/LTD, and COBRA processes.
• Manage 401(k) enrollments and ensure compliance with plan documents, including annual plan audits and Form 5500 filing.
• Assume day‑to‑day HR functions for the South Bend location, including employee relations, business partnering, and recruitment.
• Support managers and employees in the performance review process.
• Manage onboarding/offboarding processes, ensuring required documentation is collected and saved.
• Maintain data accuracy in the HRIS, working closely with the HR team.
• Act as the on‑site HR representative for the South Bend plant.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience in payroll and benefits roles.
• Certifications such as CPP, CEBS, PHR, or SHRM‑CP are a plus.
• Knowledge of basic HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance topics.
• Familiarity with HCM and payroll platforms such as ADP Workforce Now, Paychex, Paycor, etc.
• Outstanding analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and ability to handle confidential information.
• Excellent organizational skills.