HR and Payroll Specialist

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 send your resume to matthew@mrrecruiter.com

Equal Opportunity Employer Disclaimer

This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.