HR Manager

Location: Mebane, NC (with support for SD location). Position Summary The HR Manager – Payroll, Benefits & Employee Relations is responsible for leading payroll, while serving as a key driver of employee relations, engagement, and workplace culture. This role ensures accurate, compliant payroll operations through oversight and process ownership, while fostering a positive employee experience through strong leadership presence, communication, and proactive employee relations support. This position plays a critical role in building trust, supporting leaders, and strengthening the employee experience—aligned with The AKG Way: Safety, Respect for Others, Accountability, and Being Part of the Solution. Key Responsibilities Payroll Leadership & Oversight – 30% Provide leadership and oversight of payroll operations across multi-site locations ( NC & SD ) Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance through established processes and team execution Review and approve payroll outputs, audits, and reconciliations Partner with Finance on payroll-related items (accruals, reporting inputs) Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for process improvement Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment with Finance, HR, and leadership Develop SOP, Work Instructions and Audit processes Employee Relations & Leader Support – 30% Serve as primary HR partner to managers for employee relations matters Lead and/or oversee investigations and ensure fair, consistent outcomes Coach leaders on performance management, accountability, and communication Support corrective action processes and documentation Identify trends and proactively address workplace concerns Reinforce a culture of trust, fairness, and accountability Collaborate with leadership teams to ensure consistency across locations Employee Engagement & Communication – 40% Lead employee engagement strategy and execution (surveys, recognition programs, events) Own and enhance programs such as Catch ‘Em Right and Employee of the Month Oversee employee communications (including Paylocity Community postings) Partner with leadership to improve communication effectiveness across teams Drive action planning based on employee feedback and survey results Develop initiatives that strengthen culture, trust, and employee experience Ensure consistent engagement practices across locations and teams Other Collaboration with HR Team Members for continuous improvement projects Consistent application of policies and procedures across the organization Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support business and operational needs. Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business, or a related field required. Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including payroll and employee relations responsibilities. Previous leadership or management experience within Human Resources required, including experience supporting, coaching, or guiding team members. At least 2 years of management or supervisory experience preferred. Experience in a multi-site and/or manufacturing environment preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills strongly preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong understanding of payroll processes (oversight level) Experience handling employee relations issues and investigations Proven ability to lead and develop team members Strong coaching and influencing skills with leaders Excellent communication and interpersonal skills High attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred Leadership & Cultural Expectations (The AKG Way) Safety: Supports practices that protect employee well-being Respect for Others: Builds trust through fair and consistent interactions Accountability: Owns outcomes and ensures follow-through Being Part of the Solution: Proactively identifies issues and drives improvements Working Conditions Regular on-site presence, including interaction with production employees. Visibility across shifts as needed to support employee relations, communication, and engagement. Once per month, the employee is expected to report for early‑morning shift support, currently anticipated around 3:30 a.m., to connect with and support third‑shift employees. The schedule may be adjusted that day, including an earlier departure time, to account for the complexity of the schedule. Availability for occasional off‑shift support may also be required for employee engagement events, meetings, or business needs. AKG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr