HR & Payroll Specialist
Our client is a growing manufacturing organization seeking an HR & Payroll Specialist to support day-to-day human resources operations while ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing. This is a hands-on role requiring strong knowledge of California labor laws, payroll compliance, and HR best practices, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
Position Overview
The HR & Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing full-cycle payroll while also supporting core human resources functions such as onboarding, benefits administration, employee relations support, and compliance. This role is split approximately 50% payroll and 50% HR, and plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with California wage and hour laws and employment regulations.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, operational manufacturing setting.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Responsibilities (50%)
- Process full-cycle payroll for hourly and salaried employees in compliance with California wage and hour laws
- Review and verify timecards, manage corrections, overtime calculations, meal/rest break premiums, and shift differentials
- Process new hires, terminations, pay changes, and special payroll adjustments
- Ensure compliance with California final pay requirements
- Maintain payroll records, audits, and required reporting
- Respond to employee payroll questions and provide strong internal customer service
- Coordinate with Finance and Accounting on payroll reconciliations
Human Resources Responsibilities (50%)
- Support onboarding and offboarding processes, including preparing new hire packets and conducting orientations
- Maintain employee personnel files and ensure HRIS data accuracy
- Assist with benefits administration, including enrollments, changes, COBRA notices, and open enrollment support
- Support employee relations matters by documenting conversations, scheduling meetings, and assisting with investigations
- Assist with recruiting activities such as job postings, applicant screening, and interview coordination
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations, with a strong emphasis on California compliance
- Support safety programs, leave of absence tracking (FMLA, CFRA, PDL), and workers compensation claims
- Assist with HR projects, including handbook updates, training initiatives, and HR audits
Qualifications
Education:
- Associate degree required
- Bachelors degree preferred
Experience
- 35 years of combined HR and payroll experience within California
- Manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred
- Spanish-speaking skills preferred
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of California wage and hour laws, payroll compliance, and HR regulations
- Experience using HRIS and payroll systems (ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, or similar platforms)
- Close attention to detail with strong organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to manage competing priorities
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) matching program
- Paid time off and holidays
Location: San Mateo/Burlingame, CA
If you are interested in this position, please apply directly or send your resume to matthew@mrrecruiter.