HR Specialist; Madison, WI Area)

W2 only, no C2C, must be authorized to work in the US (both now and in the future). HR Specialist (Greater Madison, WI Area) (Direct Hire) - Hybrid in Windsor, WI.

Carex is partnering with a Manufacturing industry partner to hire an HR Specialist responsible for delivering comprehensive human resources administration across the employee lifecycle for a multi-state workforce of hourly manufacturing and salaried employees. This salaried, exempt position plays a critical role in managing onboarding, employee changes, terminations, HRIS data integrity, and payroll support while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.

• Prepare and issue offer letters in collaboration with hiring managers and HR leadership, ensuring accuracy of compensation, job titles, and start dates.
• Coordinate new hire onboarding, including pre-employment requirements, documentation, I-9 and E-Verify completion, HRIS setup, and orientation scheduling.
• Prepare, review, and process Personnel Action Forms (PAFs) for new hires, compensation adjustments, promotions, transfers, leaves, and employment status changes.
• Manage employee separations, including termination documentation, final pay coordination, benefits notifications, equipment returns, and exit processing.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential employee records and HRIS data in accordance with applicable regulations and organizational policies.

• Maintain payroll spreadsheets and ensure employee changes, new hires, terminations, and compensation adjustments are accurately reflected each pay period.
• Coordinate payroll approvals for pay increases, verifying proper authorization and effective dates.
• Administer child support orders and wage garnishments, including setup, remittance, tracking, and communication with agencies and employees.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports to HR, Finance, and Operations leadership.
• Prepare and distribute manual payroll checks while maintaining accurate documentation and appropriate internal controls.
• Support payroll processing cycles, audits, reconciliations, and year-end activities.

• Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, wage and hour regulations, and organizational policies.
• Partner with HR, Payroll, Finance, Benefits, and Operations to ensure accurate employee information and efficient HR administration.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and leaders, responding to HR and payroll inquiries with professionalism, accuracy, and responsiveness.
• Support internal and external audits through accurate recordkeeping, documentation, and reporting.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives that support operational excellence and organizational objectives.

• Utilize HRIS and payroll systems to maintain data integrity, process employee transactions, and generate accurate reports.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR and payroll processes, strengthen internal controls, and improve administrative efficiency.
• Support automation initiatives and implement best practices to enhance accuracy and consistency.
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures for HR administration and payroll support activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, or 4+ years of human resources experience in a generalist or specialist capacity.
• Experience supporting HR administration across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, personnel changes, employee records, and terminations.
• Working knowledge of payroll administration, with experience in wage garnishments…