Compensation and Benefits HR Specialist

Job Description: Compensation & Benefits HR Specialist Location: 454 20th Street, Carlstadt, NJ 07072 Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Compensation: $72,000-$95,000/year Position Overview: The Compensation & Benefits HR Specialist is responsible for designing, administering, and continuously improving the company's compensation structures and employee benefits programs. Operating in a fast‑paced industrial environment with a large hourly workforce, this role ensures that pay practices are competitive, equitable, and compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Key Responsibilities Compensation Administration Process weekly payroll accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with company policies and payroll regulations. Generate and analyze payroll reports, including wage summaries, overtime reports, deductions, and year‑end payroll data for management review and auditing purposes. Administer and maintain the company's compensation programs, including hourly wage scales, shift differentials, overtime structures, and salaried pay grades. Conduct regular market pricing and salary benchmarking surveys to ensure the company remains competitive in attracting and retaining production and administrative talent. Partner with HR team and Plant Managers to develop and recommend pay adjustments, merit increase guidelines, and incentive or bonus structures. Evaluate new and existing positions using job analysis and grading methodologies to ensure internal pay equity. Maintain and update compensation‑related policies and procedures in accordance with FLSA, DOL, and applicable state wage and hour laws. Benefits Administration Administer the company's full suite of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k), and workers' compensation. Serve as the primary liaison with benefits brokers, carriers, and third‑party administrators to resolve coverage issues and negotiate plan terms. Lead the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system updates, and carrier coordination. Manage qualifying life event changes, COBRA administration, and leave of absence programs including FMLA and state‑mandated leave. Monitor benefits utilization, claims trends, and plan costs, providing regular reports and recommendations to CFO and COOs. Ensure ACA compliance, including tracking, reporting, and 1094‑C/1095‑C filing requirements. Compliance & Reporting Ensure all compensation and benefits programs comply with ERISA, ACA, FLSA, EEOC, and applicable state and local regulations. Prepare and present compensation and benefits data reports to senior management, including cost analysis, turnover impact, and program effectiveness. Support internal and external audits related to compensation practices and benefits plans. Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS system for all compensation and benefits data. Employee Support & Communication Serve as a knowledgeable resource for employees regarding pay, benefits enrollment, claims issues, and coverage questions. Develop and deliver clear employee communications on compensation policies and benefits programs, with sensitivity to a diverse, multilingual workforce. Conduct new hire orientations covering total compensation and benefits enrollment. Partner with Payroll to ensure seamless integration of benefits deductions, compensation changes, and leave pay. Qualifications & Requirements Experience: 4–6 years of progressive experience in compensation and/or benefits administration; manufacturing or food processing experience strongly preferred. Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of FLSA, ERISA, ACA, FMLA, COBRA, and relevant state labor laws. Technical Skills Proficient Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data modeling). Experience with benefits administration platforms and compensation benchmarking tools. Comprehensive Benefits Comprehensive Benefits: Comprehensive insurance benefits, including medical, dental, vision, ensuring financial security and well‑being for employees and their families. Time‑off: Competitive time off including sick leave and site closures for selected holidays. Corporate Discounts: Discounts on travel, subscriptions, and more! #J-18808-Ljbffr