Payroll & Benefits Manager

Job Type Full-time Benefits Competitive compensation plan, base salary, and annual incentive Health Benefits: medical, dental, vision, short‑term and long‑term disability and wellness programs 401(k) plan with company match Comprehensive Paid Time Off and Holidays Continuing Education Reimbursement Collaborative and Innovative work environment Role Highlights The Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing the Company's multi‑state payroll and employee benefits programs, ensuring accurate payroll processing and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This role serves as the subject matter expert for payroll, benefits, HRIS, retirement plans, leave administration, and payroll tax compliance, while partnering with Human Resources, Finance, and operational leadership to support reporting, regulatory compliance, process improvements, and an exceptional employee experience. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Manage the complete bi‑weekly multi‑state payroll process, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour laws. Administer and maintain the Company's payroll and time‑keeping systems, ensuring data integrity and partnering with managers to ensure timely approval and accuracy of employee time records. Review, validate, and process all payroll transactions, including new hires, promotions, transfers, compensation changes, commissions, bonuses, terminations, garnishments, benefit deductions, and other payroll adjustments. Manage payroll tax administration and reporting in partnership with the Company's payroll provider, including tax registrations, filings, withholding, unemployment accounts, and compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements. Prepare, analyze, and distribute payroll, labor, and workforce reports, while providing payroll and retirement plan reporting and documentation to support internal and external audits. Ensure accurate year‑end payroll processing and reporting, including Forms W-2, 1095-C, 1094-C, and other required federal and state filings. Administer all aspects of the Company's 401(k) retirement plan, including enrollments, contribution changes, funding, compliance, participant communications, and coordination with plan administrators. Administer Company‑sponsored employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, HSA, COBRA, retirement, and other voluntary benefit plans. Coordinate and manage the annual Open Enrollment process, including system configuration, testing, employee communications, enrollment support, and implementation of benefit plan changes. Serve as the primary point of contact for employee and manager inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, retirement plans, PTO, leave programs, and related policies, providing timely and professional support. Train employees and managers on payroll, time‑keeping, HRIS, and benefits enrollment systems and related processes. Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and third‑party vendors to support compliance, audits, financial reporting, policy administration, employee communications, and continuous process improvements. Assist with special projects and perform other related duties as assigned. Requirements Demonstrate forward‑thinking leadership with strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a respectful coaching approach. Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and employment compliance requirements. Experience managing employee benefit programs, retirement plans, leave administration, and annual Open Enrollment. Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, including COBRA, FMLA, ADA, ACA reporting, and retirement plans. Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem‑solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset. Proven ability to scale operations effectively in high‑volume, fast‑paced environments. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Manufacturing experience is preferred. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Business or Payroll Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field required. Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience managing multi‑state payroll and employee benefits administration. Computer Skills Demonstrated high proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. At Vantage Apparel we are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, sex, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr