Payroll Benefits Specialist

The Payroll & Benefits Leader is responsible for leading and overseeing payroll and benefits administration for a multi-location organization with both union and non-union employees. This role is highly detail-oriented and requires someone who is curious, meticulous, and comfortable working with complex payroll processes, multiple locations, varying pay structures, and union requirements. Payroll is the primary focus of this position, with additional responsibility for benefits administration and compensation support. The ideal candidate enjoys digging into details, identifying discrepancies, improving processes, and ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Key Responsibilities Payroll – Approximately 75% Lead and oversee payroll processing for employees across multiple locations and entities. Manage payroll for both union and non-union employees, including varying pay rates, deductions, overtime, and other payroll requirements. Ensure accurate and timely processing of weekly, biweekly, and/or other applicable payroll cycles. Review payroll for accuracy, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues prior to processing. Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Partner with employees, managers, HR, Finance, and other stakeholders to resolve payroll questions and issues. Coordinate payroll-related requirements associated with union agreements and varying location requirements. Support payroll reporting, audits, reconciliations, and year-end activities. Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, systems, and efficiencies. Benefits – Approximately 20% Oversee day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs. Support open enrollment, benefit communications, eligibility, and employee questions. Partner with benefit providers and internal stakeholders to resolve benefit issues. Maintain accurate benefit records and ensure timely processing of enrollments and changes. Assist with compliance requirements and benefit-related reporting. Compensation – Approximately 5% Support compensation administration, including pay changes, job updates, and related documentation. Assist with compensation analysis and reporting as needed. Maintain accurate compensation data and ensure changes are properly reflected in payroll and HR systems. Qualifications 5+ years of progressive payroll, benefits, or HR operations experience, with significant hands-on payroll experience. Must live in the St. Louis area or will be relocating to the area. Required experience managing payroll for both union and non-union employees. Required experience supporting payroll across multiple locations and/or entities. Strong understanding of payroll regulations, deductions, overtime, and compliance requirements. Experience working with union agreements, wage rates, and union-specific payroll requirements. Experience with HRIS/payroll systems and a strong ability to learn new technology. Strong Excel and data-management skills. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to manage confidential information with discretion. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to investigate discrepancies and determine root causes. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is curious, meticulous, analytical, and highly accountable . They naturally ask questions when something doesn't look right and enjoy digging into the details to understand the "why" behind an issue. This person is comfortable managing a high-volume payroll environment, working with multiple locations and employee groups, and balancing competing priorities without losing attention to detail. They should be someone who takes ownership, looks for ways to improve processes, and is not afraid to get into the details when necessary. #J-18808-Ljbffr