Human Resources Specialist

Company Description Hiring for: Acorn Industries is a leading containers and closures cleaning/sterilization service provider for some of the most well‑known and respected names in the medical and pharmaceutical industry that are helping to save lives. Role Description The Human Resources Specialist is a full‑time, on‑site position based in Livonia, Michigan, supporting the day‑to‑day operations of Acorn Industries' Human Resources department. This is a hands‑on, broad‑based HR role responsible for weekly payroll administration, recruiting and talent acquisition, employee onboarding and offboarding, benefits administration, HR records, leave administration, employee relations, compliance, and HR reporting. The HR Specialist serves as a resource to employees and managers, supports employee relations and performance matters, and participates in workplace investigations under the direction of the Director of Human Resources. The position also coordinates recruiting efforts with third‑party staffing agencies and recruiting firms, supports performance management and training initiatives, and assists with HR compliance and process improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to build and apply broad HR expertise while working closely with the Director of Human Resources and leaders throughout the organization. Major Responsibilities Payroll Administration Process weekly payroll accurately and timely using Paycor. Review and audit employee timecards for accuracy. Process new hires, terminations, wage changes, payroll adjustments, and employee status changes. Respond to payroll‑related inquiries and resolve discrepancies. Maintain payroll records and assist with payroll compliance. Maintain and reconcile employee PTO and vacation balances using manual tracking tools and the payroll system. Identify and correct PTO discrepancies each pay period. Post job openings on job boards and company career sites and coordinate recruiting efforts with third‑party staffing agencies and recruiting firms. Screen resumes and conduct initial candidate interviews. Coordinate interviews with hiring managers and candidates. Track recruiting activities and maintain applicant records. Assist hiring managers throughout the recruitment and selection process. Onboarding & Employee Experience Coordinate new‑hire onboarding activities and conduct new‑hire orientation. Prepare employment documentation and personnel files. Ensure completion of required employment and onboarding documentation. Process employment verifications. Help create a welcoming and positive onboarding experience for new employees. Maintain employee personnel files and HRIS records. Enter, update, and audit employee information within HRIS and payroll systems. Coordinate employee benefits, including enrollments, qualifying life events, and Open Enrollment. Assist employees with benefit questions and routine HR inquiries. Track attendance, PTO, vacation, and Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) leave. Coordinate employee training activities and maintain training records. Prepare HR reports, spreadsheets, correspondence, and employment documentation. Maintain HR records in accordance with company policies and record‑retention requirements. Maintain HR forms and onboarding materials. Assist with employee engagement activities. Employee Relations Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions regarding HR policies and procedures. Serve as a backup to the Director of Human Resources by assisting managers with routine employee relations matters and performance concerns. Coordinate the company's performance review process by scheduling reviews, tracking completion, maintaining documentation, and following up with managers. Participate in workplace investigations by observing, documenting, and assisting the Director of Human Resources, with the opportunity to conduct investigations independently as experience and business needs permit. Promote a positive, respectful, and professional work environment. HR Compliance Assist in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Administer and track Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) leave in accordance with company policy and applicable law. Assist with leave administration, including FMLA and other protected leaves. Support HR audits and compliance reporting. Maintain confidentiality of employee information and HR records. Assist with 401(k) administration in coordination with the third‑party administrator. Conduct exit interviews and maintain separation documentation. Participate in HR process‑improvement initiatives and special projects. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Education Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant Human Resources experience will be considered. Experience 2–4 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience. 1–2 years of payroll processing experience preferred. Experience with recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, payroll, and HR recordkeeping. Experience using Paycor or a comparable HRIS/payroll system preferred. Knowledge & Skills Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and payroll practices. Knowledge of Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and leave administration preferred. Understanding of the full recruitment and onboarding process. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience maintaining spreadsheets and HR records with a high degree of accuracy. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Strong customer service and problem‑solving skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with managers and employees. Core Competencies Integrity & Confidentiality Customer Service Orientation Communication & Relationship Building Organization & Time Management Attention to Detail Problem Solving Teamwork What Acorn Offers Up to 90% employer‑paid health, dental and vision coverage #J-18808-Ljbffr