HR & Payroll Generalist

Company Description QQR Logistics and QQR Transport keep critical freight moving for supply chains that can’t afford to stop. QQR brings disciplined execution to complex supply chains across automotive, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, aerospace, energy, and other key industries — throughout North America and across major U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico cross-border lanes. This role supports both QQR Transport, an asset-based carrier that operates its own fleet, running full-truckload (FTL) freight in dry van, bulk, and open deck modalities, and QQR Logistics, our freight brokerage. QQR is building its team in Cincinnati, Ohio and looking for experienced professionals ready to grow their careers. Compensation An individual candidate’s placement within a range will be based on relevant work experience, demonstrated skills, and applicable education or professional training. Salary range for this position is $50,000 to $70,000. Job Overview We are seeking an experienced HR & Payroll Generalist to own Human Resources and payroll for QQR’s office staff and driver workforce. You’ll handle the full range of generalist HR work — recruiting support, onboarding, benefits, employee relations, compliance, and HR filings. You will work closely with our payroll services, own full weekly and biweekly payroll ensuring accuracy and on-time payroll for both office staff and drivers. Driver pay, which is calculated differently than standard hourly or salaried pay (mileage, load/settlement, detention, layover, and per diem). You will work closely with our payroll services to ensure You will manage QQR’s applicant tracking system (ATS), own the day-to-day Paychex PEO relationship, and partner directly with Finance, Accounting, Executives, and department managers across the company to meet hiring goals and build an efficient, engaged, high-retention team. QQR is scaling fast as a startup through organic growth and acquisitions to several hundred employees, and this person will help build the HR department including hiring future HR support as we grow. You’ll be the first call a driver makes when a paycheck looks off, and the first call any employee makes with HR and payroll questions. Key Responsibilities Human Resources Serve as a trusted, first-line HR resource for QQR office staff and driver associates, answering questions on policy, benefits, and pay Own and administer QQR’s applicant tracking system (ATS) for all job posting management, candidate pipeline hygiene, and reporting and coordinate interviews, onboarding and offboarding Own the Paychex PEO relationship end-to-end: day-to-day administration, benefits and payroll coordination through the PEO, issue resolution, renewals, and service escalations Partner with executives and department managers across the company to meet hiring goals — identify candidates, screen applicants, and coordinate and assist with interviews for office and driver positions Work closely with the CDL Driver Recruiter and Safety Managers on driver hiring, orientation, and onboarding — ensuring smooth handoffs from offer through first day and complete, audit-ready documentation Support full-cycle recruiting and onboarding to help each department build an efficient, well-staffed team Administer benefits enrollment and leave management (FMLA, workers’ comp, disability), and respond to related employee questions Provide policy guidance; develop, maintain, and manage HR policies and procedures that stay current with federal and state employment law Own HR compliance and required filings (e.g., federal/state reporting, postings, ACA-related items handled with the PEO) Maintain accurate, compliant personnel records and HRIS data; run periodic audits to catch and correct discrepancies Partner with Safety and Operations on driver qualification file (DQF) documentation required under FMCSA regulations Support employee relations matters and investigations with appropriate discretion and documentation Own HR and employment SOPs including the creation of documents, and maintain standard operating procedures for hiring, onboarding, offboarding, payroll, leave, and other HR processes so they scale with QQR’s growth and acquisitions Create and maintain the employee handbook and job description library collaborating with Paychex PEO and document maintenance Implement performance reviews while build and administer the process, work with managers on goal-setting, feedback, review cycles Implement manager training and support managers on HR procedures, policies, and sound employment practices Manage all offboarding and exit interviews, final pay coordination, and benefits termination; partner with IT and Security to recover all company-owned equipment, access, digital and physical documentation and securing all company IP and data Drive employee engagement, employee experience, and retention initiatives across the company — including onboarding experience, check-ins, and recognition programs Help build and scale the HR function as QQR grows, including hiring and developing future HR support Payroll — Office Staff & Drivers Process office staff payroll accurately and on schedule through the Paychex PEO Process and verify driver payroll accurately and on schedule — including mileage-based pay, load/settlement pay, detention, layover, and per diem Serve as the first point of contact for driver pay questions; research and resolve discrepancies quickly — accurate pay is one of the biggest levers we have on driver retention Reconcile payroll data pulled from ELD, dispatch, and load/settlement systems against pay calculations Help ensure compliance with wage-and-hour requirements across the multiple states our drivers operate in Work closely with Finance and Accounting on tax withholding, garnishments, payroll funding, and year-end reporting (W-2s, and 1099s for owner-operators, where applicable) Flag and help implement process improvements that reduce pay errors and speed up processing time Required Qualifications 2+ years of experience in an HR generalist, payroll, or combined HR/payroll role — trucking, transportation, or logistics experience strongly preferred Experience working with a PEO (Paychex strongly preferred) and/or payroll systems and HRIS platforms; strong Excel skills Experience administering or working in an applicant tracking system (ATS) Working knowledge of driver pay structures (mileage, load-based, detention/per diem), or demonstrated ability to learn them quickly Working understanding of basic employment law (FLSA, FMLA) and payroll compliance requirements Excellent communication skills — comfortable explaining pay and policy matters clearly and patiently to drivers, staff, managers, and executives Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, growing environment High school diploma or GED required Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience PHR / SHRM-CP certification, or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation Experience with ELD/dispatch & TMS platforms (e.g., Samsara, Motive, Omnitracs, PeopleNet, McLeod, PCS, Revenova, Trimble) and how their data feeds into payroll Experience implementing AI and automation processes and efficiencies Prior experience supporting a DOT-regulated workforce Bilingual is a plus What Success Looks Like Within your first several months, you will run office and driver payroll accurately and on time, establish a smooth working cadence with the Paychex PEO, keep the ATS and personnel records clean and audit-ready, and become the trusted HR partner for employees and managers on HR, benefits, and pay. You will help department managers hit hiring goals and improve retention, engagement, and the overall employee experience. Why Join QQR Transport? Exceptional transportation companies are built by exceptional people. We give our people the autonomy, resources, and support to make a real impact for not only the company and our customers, but for our employees families and themselves. QQR cultivates a cultureyou’llbe proud of and you will be part of building that culture too. Comprehensive benefits package Health, dental and vision coverage 401(k) with company match 3% Health and wellness discounts Equal Opportunity QQR Transport is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This position may require periodic travel outside of standard business hours to attend company functions, visit client facilities, and engage with carrier partners for the purpose of capturing video content or photography for use in marketing materials. Candidates must be able to operate a computer, telephone, and related office equipment as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. The typical work environment features an open-concept office setting with noise levels consistent with standard office activity. Employees should expect periodic interruptions during the course of the workday. The role primarily involves sustained periods of sitting, along with regular verbal communication and active listening. This organization is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status as defined under applicable law, or protected veteran status. Employment visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position. Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN, J1 etc.) will not be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr QQR