HR Operations & Payroll Specialist

Base Pay $30.00 - $33.00 / Hour Employee Type Non-Exempt - FT Join Our Team We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Human Resources Operations & Employee Relations Specialist to support daily HR operations in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment. This role plays a critical part in supporting payroll processes, coordinating employee relations matters, maintaining HR compliance, and assisting with workplace incident intake and documentation. The ideal candidate is professional, discreet, and solutions-oriented, with experience supporting payroll operations, handling sensitive employee matters, and partnering effectively across departments. This position serves as a key operational partner within the HR team and acts as an initial point of contact for employee concerns, workplace incidents, workers’ compensation matters, and payroll-related inquiries. At our organization, our culture is guided by five core values: Lead with Resilience Serve with Purpose Act with Integrity Collaborate with Respect Commit to Excellence Key Responsibilities Payroll Support & HR Operations Support payroll processing activities including data review, auditing, discrepancy resolution, and payroll-related employee inquiries. Serve as cross-trained payroll backup during absences, peak processing periods, or operational needs. Maintain accurate employee records, HR documentation, and personnel files in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Process employee onboarding, offboarding, status changes, and HRIS updates with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality. Generate and maintain HR reports, data tracking logs, and compliance-related documentation. Respond professionally and timely to employee and supervisor inquiries regarding payroll, HR policies, benefits, and employment procedures. Assist in identifying and implementing process improvements that enhance HR and payroll operational efficiency. Employee Relations & Workplace Compliance Serve as a first point of contact for employee relations concerns, workplace incidents, and policy-related inquiries, escalating matters appropriately to HR leadership. Coordinate intake and documentation related to workers’ compensation claims, workplace violence concerns, and employee incident reporting. Maintain organized and confidential records related to investigations, corrective actions, incident tracking, and employee relations matters. Partner with HR leadership to support workplace investigations, employee meetings, and follow-up actions. Facilitate timely communication and coordination between employees, supervisors, HR leadership, and designated stakeholders regarding incident response procedures. Support compliance with federal, state, and company employment policies, including California labor law requirements and workplace reporting obligations. Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive employee matters and confidential information. Additional Responsibilities Participate in HR audits, compliance initiatives, and departmental projects. Support continuous improvement efforts within HR operations and employee processes. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Minimum of 3 years of experience in human resources, employee relations support, payroll support, or HR operations required. Prior experience supporting payroll processing and payroll auditing activities strongly preferred. Experience handling confidential employee matters and supporting workplace incident documentation preferred. Working knowledge of HR compliance practices, employment regulations, and California labor law. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail. Proficiency with HRIS platforms (UKG Ready preferred), payroll systems, and Microsoft Office applications. Preferred Skills Experience supporting workers’ compensation claims administration or workplace incident response. Exposure to employee relations investigations, corrective action processes, or workplace compliance procedures. Ability to exercise independent judgment while collaborating effectively with HR leadership and operational teams. Demonstrated ability to remain professional and composed in sensitive or high-pressure situations. Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or other payroll-related training/certification preferred. What We’re Looking For The successful candidate is someone who thrives in a high-volume HR environment, communicates with professionalism and empathy, and values accuracy, compliance, and teamwork. This role is ideal for an HR professional who enjoys balancing operational responsibilities with employee support and workplace coordination. We are committed to creating a respectful, collaborative, and service-driven workplace where employees can grow and succeed. #J-18808-Ljbffr