Human Resources Specialist

About Shaka Wear

Shaka Wear is a rapidly growing streetwear apparel manufacturer with global manufacturing operations across Asia and Central America. We provide premium streetwear essentials that serve as a "blank canvas" for self-expression. As a bootstrapped, founder-led company, we're scaling quickly while maintaining operational excellence.

About This Role

Own the execution: Support our Head of HR by keeping payroll and benefits running flawlessly

We're looking for a detail-oriented HR Operations Specialist to support payroll processing and benefits administration for our growing workforce. This is a hands-on operational role where accuracy, compliance, and employee support are paramount. You'll work closely with our HR Director, assisting with the day-to-day details that keep everything running smoothly.

You'll work directly with our HR Director to execute operational processes while managing the day-to-day details that keep everything running. If you're energized by operational excellence, love solving problems, and take pride in getting the details right, this role is for you.

Location: Houston, TX (5 Days On-site)

Reports To: Head of Human Resources

What You'll Do

Payroll Management (Primary Focus)

• Process bi-weekly/semi-monthly payroll for 100 employees under Head of HR guidance (Texas and California payroll)
• Input payroll changes: new hires, terminations, raises, bonuses, commissions
• Manage payroll deductions: garnishments, child support, 401(k), benefits, taxes
• Assist with payroll reconciliation and resolve discrepancies
• Support multi-state payroll compliance (Texas, California, and other jurisdictions)
• Coordinate with accounting on payroll reporting
• Process off-cycle payments, expense reimbursements, and bonus runs
• Manage time and attendance system integration with payroll
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve issues quickly

Benefits Administration (Primary Focus)

• Process benefits enrollment for new hires and support annual open enrollment
• Handle benefits changes: life events, coverage updates, dependent changes
• Serve as liaison with benefits vendors and brokers
• Administer health, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental benefits
• Support 401(k) plan administration: enrollment, changes, loan processing
• Assist with leave administration: FMLA, parental leave, disability claims
• Support benefits orientations and employee education
• Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and audit carrier billing
• Assist with ACA compliance reporting and tracking

HRIS & Systems Management

• Maintain HRIS platform for data integrity
• Generate payroll and benefits reports for leadership and accounting
• Maintain employee records and personnel files
• Audit data accuracy across payroll and benefits systems
• Support HRIS projects and system upgrades

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, tax requirements, and benefits regulations
• Manage employment verification (I-9s), background checks, and onboarding paperwork
• Process workers' compensation claims and coordinate with carrier
• Respond to unemployment claims and wage verifications
• Maintain documentation for federal, state, and local compliance requirements
• Support internal and external HR audits

Employee Support

• Serve as primary point of contact for payroll and benefits questions
• Resolve employee issues with empathy and urgency
• Create guides and resources to help employees understand their benefits
• Support onboarding process with benefits enrollment and payroll setup

What You Bring

Required

• 3-4 years of hands-on payroll processing experience
• 2 years of benefits administration experience
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now required
• Understanding of multi-state payroll compliance and tax requirements
• Experience with California payroll and compliance
• Experience with benefits platforms and vendor coordination
• Proficiency in Excel for reporting, reconciliation, and data analysis
• Familiarity with FMLA, COBRA, ACA, and benefits compliance
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under deadlines

Preferred

• Experience in manufacturing, retail, or multi-location organizations
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification
• Spanish language skills (for employee support)
• Experience with NetSuite or ERP payroll integrations
• Background supporting hourly workforce with complex pay rules

Personal Attributes

• Accuracy obsessed: Zero tolerance for payroll errors
• Deadline-driven: You never miss a payroll cycle
• Service-oriented: You genuinely care about helping employees
• Organized: You manage multiple priorities without dropping balls
• Discreet: You handle confidential compensation data with integrity
• Calm under pressure: Payroll weeks don't rattle you

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: $50,000 - $60,000 per year
• Performance-based bonus structure
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Professional development and certification support
• Stable role with clear responsibilities
• Supportive HR leadership and collaborative team environment

Why Shaka Wear?

Join a high-growth company where your operational excellence directly impacts hundreds of employees. You'll work alongside experienced HR leadership, gain exposure to modern systems and tools, and have clear opportunities for growth as the company scales. If you take pride in operational precision and want to build something meaningful in an entrepreneurial environment, we want to meet you.