HR Operations & Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

HR Operations & Benefits Specialist

Temecula, CA

Full Time, On Site

Compensation: $33.50 to $35.50 per hour

About the Opportunity

A growing winery and hospitality organization in Temecula Wine Country is seeking an experienced HR Operations & Benefits Specialist to support multiple entities across winery, tasting room, restaurant, and guest experience operations.

This hands on role is ideal for an HR professional who understands the pace and complexity of hospitality driven winery operations, including seasonal staffing, guest facing teams, benefits administration, HRIS accuracy, onboarding, compliance, and employee lifecycle support.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience supporting hospitality, winery,, restaurant, or multi entity service environments and has advanced experience with ADP Workforce Now.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Life Insurance

Hospital Confinement Plan

Pet Insurance

Three Weeks Paid Time Off

Two Paid Holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Six Floating Holidays

Position Overview

The HR Operations & Benefits Specialist is responsible for supporting key human resources processes across multiple winery and hospitality entities. This role serves as the primary resource for benefits administration, HR systems management, onboarding, compliance support, workers' compensation coordination, and employee lifecycle management.

This position works closely with HR, payroll, recruiting, and operational leadership to ensure efficient and compliant HR practices while delivering strong internal support to managers and employees across winery, tasting room, hotel, restaurant, and hospitality operations.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Systems Management

Serve as the primary administrator for ADP Workforce Now

Maintain employee records and ensure data integrity across HR systems

Process new hires, terminations, promotions, compensation changes, and status updates

Partner with payroll to ensure accuracy and timely processing

Serve as the internal subject matter expert for HRIS questions and troubleshooting

Support continuous improvement of HR systems and processes

Benefits Administration

Administer medical, dental, vision, retirement, and related employee benefit programs

Manage enrollments, life event changes, terminations, and employee communications

Coordinate annual open enrollment activities

Serve as the primary contact for employee benefit questions and vendor interactions

Partner with brokers and carriers to resolve benefit issues and improve employee experience

Employee Lifecycle Management

Oversee onboarding processes and ensure a positive new hire experience

Maintain I-9 compliance and employment documentation

Coordinate offboarding processes and separation documentation

Support employee communications and HR related inquiries

Ensure personnel records remain accurate and compliant

Compliance & Risk Management

Support California labor law compliance and HR best practices

Assist with ACA reporting and regulatory requirements

Maintain documentation for audits and compliance reviews

Coordinate workers' compensation claims and related communications

Partner with leadership on handbook updates and policy administration

Help protect the organization through consistent and compliant HR practices

Recruiting & Talent Support

Assist with interview coordination and candidate scheduling

Partner with recruiting and operational leaders to support hiring efforts

Ensure onboarding readiness for new hires

Support workforce planning initiatives as needed

Ideal Candidate Profile

Five or more years of progressive Human Resources experience

Strong winery, hospitality, hotel, resort, restaurant group, or multi entity service industry experience preferred

Advanced experience with ADP Workforce Now required

Hands on benefits administration experience required

Strong understanding of California employment laws and compliance practices

Experience supporting multi entity organizations preferred

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, guest focused environment

Professional, confidential, and service oriented approach

Preferred Qualifications

SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification

Experience supporting winery, tasting room, hotel, restaurant, or multi location hospitality operations

Experience with workers' compensation administration and leave management

Knowledge of payroll processes and HR compliance reporting

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This role offers the opportunity to support a respected winery and hospitality organization in the heart of Temecula Wine Country. The position provides broad exposure across HR operations, benefits, compliance, recruiting support, and systems management while supporting teams that create memorable guest experiences across multiple hospitality environments.