Benefits and Payroll Specialist

About the Role

The Benefits and Payroll Specialist will administer and optimize programs related to benefits, payroll compliance, and employee leave management. This role ensures that all Total Rewards processes are accurate, compliant, and aligned with GoMacro's values. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, service focused, and committed to supporting a diverse workforce within a fast paced food manufacturing environment as well as remote workers across multiple states. As a member of a small HR team, this role will also assist with general human resources responsibilities and serve as a resource for employees with HR related questions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Administer day to day employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA/FSA, and retirement plans.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and vendor coordination.
• Manage annual open enrollment, including system setup, employee communication, and troubleshooting.
• Audit benefit enrollments, payroll deductions, and vendor invoices for accuracy.
• Support benefits education initiatives to enhance employee understanding and utilization.
• Ensure payroll related data (benefit deductions, taxable benefits, garnishments, leaves, etc.) is accurate and compliant.
• Partner with Accounting to resolve discrepancies and maintain proper documentation.
• Monitor federal and state wage and hour regulations to ensure compliance.
• Maintain accurate employee compensation and tax documentation.
• Administer all leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, personal medical leave, parental leave, workers' compensation, and company specific leave policies.
• Track eligibility, documentation, certifications, and return to work processes.
• Communicate with employees, managers, and healthcare providers while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws.
• Manage unemployment claims, respond to state inquiries, and coordinate hearings when needed.
• Maintain accurate employment records to support claim responses.
• Process employment and wage verification requests in a timely and compliant manner.
• Maintain compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other applicable regulations.
• Prepare required filings and reports (ACA, 5500s, audits, etc.) in partnership with vendors or consultants.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve employee experience, and enhance data accuracy.
• Maintain accurate and organized digital records in HRIS and benefits systems.
• Serve as a member of a small HR team, contributing to general human resources functions beyond core benefits and payroll duties.
• Assist employees with HR related questions and direct them to the appropriate resource when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned, adapting to the dynamic nature of the food manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, recognizing the unique challenges of supporting a diverse workforce in the food industry.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate appropriately, recognizing the urgency of certain matters in the context of a production-driven environment.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality, adhering to the ethical standards of the HR function.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization's HRIS and talent management systems.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in benefits administration, payroll support, or HR operations.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, with an understanding of the demands of administrative work in a manufacturing setting.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times, recognizing the potential physical requirements associated with certain HR tasks in a production environment.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities, considering the layout and requirements of a food manufacturing facility.

Travel Required

Travel will be primarily local during business hours, with an understanding of the need for on-site presence in a manufacturing environment.