HR Generalist/Employee Relations/Payroll

Human Resources GeneralistCompany: SurgistarLocation: Vista, CA (On-site)Department: Human ResourcesReports To: Director of Human ResourcesAbout Surgistar: We are a division of MicroSurgical Technology (MST), that develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for the ophthalmology market. Our products are manufactured using the highest levels of care and precision at our manufacturing facility in Vista, California.We constantly evolve to meet the distinct clinical needs of ophthalmic surgeons through our dedicated partnership with surgeon-designers, bringing innovation to ophthalmology.Position SummarySurgistar is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to support a broad range of HR functions, including payroll administration, employee relations, benefits administration, recruitment and onboarding, leave administration, compliance, training, and HR operations. This position will serve as a key on-site resource for employees and managers at Surgistar while also supporting cross-organizational HR projects and employees as business needs require.The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, approachable, and able to manage confidential information while balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Essential ResponsibilitiesPayroll and Timekeeping· Process and audit biweekly payroll accurately and on schedule in coordination with internal stakeholders and payroll providers.· Review and validate timekeeping records, paid time off, overtime, shift differentials, benefit deductions, and payroll adjustments.· Coordinate payroll activities for new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, leaves, and other employee changes.· Support payroll implementation, testing, reconciliations, audits, year-end activities, and continuous process improvements.· Maintain accurate payroll records and support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour requirements.Employee Relations and HR Support· Serve as an accessible on-site HR resource for employees and managers regarding policies, payroll, benefits, leaves, and HR programs.· Provide guidance on routine employee relations matters and escalate complex or sensitive issues as appropriate.· Support performance management, corrective action, employee development, engagement, and retention initiatives.· Promote consistent application of company policies and help foster a respectful, inclusive, and employee-focused workplace.Recruitment, Onboarding, and Offboarding· Partner with Talent Acquisition and hiring managers to support job postings, interview coordination, candidate communication, and hiring activities.· Coordinate pre-employment requirements and facilitate new-hire onboarding, orientation, documentation, and Day 1 readiness.· Maintain Form I-9 and other employment records in accordance with legal and company requirements.· Coordinate employee offboarding, final documentation, system updates, and related payroll and benefit notifications.Administer and track leaves of absence, workplace accommodations, and workers compensation matters in partnership with HR leadership and external administrators.· HR Compliance, Systems, and Administration· Maintain accurate employee data and records in the HRIS and other HR or payroll systems.· Support HR system implementations, employee training, data validation, reporting, and process documentation.· Maintain HR policies, procedures, job descriptions, standard operating procedures, and employee communications.· Prepare standard HR reports and support audits, record retention, required postings, and regulatory reporting.· Monitor relevant employment law developments and assist with implementing compliant HR practices.· Support training coordination, safety initiatives, and other HR projects as assigned.QualificationsRequired· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.· At least 3 years of progressive human resources experience in a generalist or similar role.· Hands-on experience supporting or processing payroll and administering employee benefits.· Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) required.· Working knowledge of federal and California employment laws and HR practices.· Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems and Microsoft Office applications.· Preferred· Experience in a manufacturing, medical device, or other regulated environment.· Experience with Workday or a comparable HRIS and payroll platform.· PHR, PHRca, SHRM-CP, or comparable HR certification.· Experience supporting HR system or payroll implementations.Key Competencies· Customer service orientation· Sound judgment and problem-solving· Organization and time management· Confidentiality and discretion· Adaptability and accountability· Collaboration and teamwork· Attention to detail· Continuous improvement mindsetPhysical Requirements· Ability to work at a computer for extended periods and move throughout office and manufacturing areas as needed.· Actual compensation will be determined based on job‑related factors permitted by law, such as relevant experience, education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal equity.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin (including ancestry), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.