Juniper is Growing! We are seeking a HR Compliance & Benefits Partner for our Corporate HR Team. The HR Compliance & Benefits Partner is responsible for ensuring HR compliance, managing employee benefits programs, and assisting with the acquisition due diligence processes. This position plays a critical role in maintaining legal compliance, administering benefits packages, and supporting the overall HR administration function. The HR Compliance & Benefits Partner will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and applicable employment laws.

Juniper is a full-service landscape design, build, and management company servicing the Southeast. We are recognized as an award-winning leader in our industry with over 20 locations and 2,000 team members. At Juniper, the foundation of who we are, how we perform, and how we treat others is guided by our core values. We are committed to a culture that welcomes, grows, and celebrates people who share in our mission to design, build, and maintain the best landscaping in the industry.

We offer career growth opportunities and excellent benefits (health/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and PTO plans). Join our company, where we Welcome/Grow/Celebrate you at Juniper!

Responsibilities:

HR Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

• Conduct preliminary audits and reviews of information pertaining to upcoming acquisitions, focusing on HR, Payroll, & other compliance aspects, and prepare findings reports detailing audit results, compliance gaps, and recommendations for remediation.

• Serve as an expert on I-9 and E-Verify processes, auditing, providing ongoing training on processes and changing regulations.

• Monitor and update HR policies, procedures, and documentation to reflect legal changes and best practices.

• Assist with Department of Transportation and Workers Compensation administration, including but not limited to wage statements, motor vehicle record screenings, drug testing, CDL requirements, etc.

• Conduct audits and assessments to ensure compliance with HR-related regulations and internal policies.

• Maintain accurate employee records, including personnel files, benefit records, I-9 forms, and other required documents in accordance with storage and retention requirements.

• Serve as the primary contact for HR compliance-related inquiries from employees and management.

• Work closely with the HR Regional Managers on any concerns with communication, training, or management support.

Benefits Administration:

• Manage and administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, leave management, and other employee benefits.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, such as ERISA, ACA, and HIPAA, in benefits administration.

• Oversee benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations, ensuring accurate and timely processing.

• Reconcile benefit invoices with benefit changes and payroll records.

• Manage and resolve benefit related inquiries or issues from employees, benefit providers, brokers, and regulatory agencies.

• Plan and participate in benefit enrollment events, including open enrollment. Develop and distribute benefit related materials to inform and guide employees on benefit options.

• Assist in the design, implementation, and maintenance of employee wellness initiatives, including engagement communication, materials, and activities.

HR/Payroll Administration:

• Assist with onboarding new employees related to mergers & acquisitions, visa programs, new start-up projects, etc.

• Conduct and/or coordinate training on various HR topics.

• Assist in the development and maintenance of payroll and/or HR related policies, procedures, and processes.

• Manage, execute, and sustain HR and payroll initiatives/projects to ensure successful adoption of processes and systems, at the direction of the CHRO.

• Support the Payroll Supervisor in completing their essential functions during periods of absence or higher business demands.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field, preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in HR compliance, benefits administration, and/or payroll administration.
• Must be willing to complete advanced training, including any applicable certifications, related to I-9 administration within 2 years of employment.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Experience with HRIS systems, payroll software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective and collaborative working relationships built on trust.
• Working knowledge of applicant tracking and HRIS systems, preferred.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

We Welcome/Grow/Celebrate you at Juniper! Equal Opportunity Employer