HR Operations Generalist

Illumination is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced HR Operations Generalist. In this role, you'll be at the heart of our people operations team, overseeing payroll, benefits, HRIS management (UKG Pro), employee leaves, compliance, and the day-to-day HR experience that keeps our studio running smoothly. We are looking for someone who is highly organized, well-versed in employment laws, and genuinely passionate about creating a thoughtful, seamless employee experience. If you find joy in supporting others, streamlining processes, and helping people do their best work, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

• Own and manage biweekly payroll processing, partnering with Payroll to ensure accuracy; audit payroll data, verify timesheets, wage calculations, deductions, and withholdings, and resolve discrepancies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for any employee related inquiries.
• Administer and maintain the HRIS (UKG Pro), ensuring accuracy of company and employee data, process workflows, automated file feeds, end of year processes; liaise with UKG consultants as needed to troubleshoot issues and implement system enhancements.
• Administer employee benefits programs, including new hire enrollments, life events, and open enrollment; coordinate employee education sessions. Work closely with Benefit Brokers and UKG Pro for new benefit implementations and enrollment configurations.
• Manage employee leaves of absence, including CFRA, FMLA, PDL, PFL, ADA accommodations, and workers' compensation, ensuring full compliance with federal and California regulations. Knowledge in New York and Connecticut leave law is a plus.
• Maintain and update the Employee Handbook to ensure alignment with current laws, regulations, and business practices.
• Ensure the company's required Compliance: Maintain accurate and compliant personnel files, training records, and employment documentation.
• Proactively and monitor changes in federal, state, and local employment laws (with an emphasis on California) and support the implementation of compliant policies and practices.
• Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes, including new hire documentation, I-9 compliance, benefits enrollment, final pay coordination, and exit interviews.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR operations, documentation, and standard operating procedures using HR best practices.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support evolving business priorities.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of experience in HR generalist, payroll, and/or benefits administration roles.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms, preferably UKG Pr
• Strong working knowledge of federal and California employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, leaves of absence, and workplace accommodations.
• Experience supporting payroll and HR operations for a small California-based workforce.
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-CP or PHR certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business, or a related field.
• Knowledge of California, New York, and Connecticut employment laws.

The base salary range for this role is $80,000-$95,000 per year. We rely on market indicators to determine compensation and an offer will consider various factors including experience, qualifications, skills, and training. Our comprehensive and competitive benefits package includes medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and their family, 401(k), paid time off, tuition reimbursement and a variety of other perks.

About Illumination

Illumination , founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the entertainment industry's leading producers of event-animated films, including Despicable Me-the most successful animated franchise in cinematic history-as well as Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, Dr. Seuss' The Grinch and The Secret Life of Pets and Sing films. The 2023 release of Illumination's The Super Mario Bros. Movie has joined the studio library, now comprising three of the top 10 animated films of all time. Illumination's iconic, beloved franchises-infused with memorable and distinct characters, global appeal and cultural relevance-have grossed more than $9 billion worldwide. Illumination has an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Universal Pictures.

Illumination is based in Santa Monica, CA and its studio, Illumination Studios Paris, is located in the center of Paris, France.

Illumination's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Illumination will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.