Payroll and Benefits Manager

About the Role
The Payroll and Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing payroll processing and benefits administration for both union and non-union employees in a manufacturing or industrial environment. This role ensures compliance with employment laws and collective bargaining agreements, while managing compensation programs that support employee well-being and organizational goals. The position also plays a key role in process improvement, regulatory reporting, and employee communication regarding total rewards.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise payroll processing for union and non-union employees on a bi-weekly or monthly basis
• Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements regarding wages, benefits, and deductions
• Manage payroll systems and implement updates to comply with legal and regulatory changes
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records and ensure proper deduction processing
• Review and approve timekeeping records and address payroll discrepancies
• Administer union dues, benefit deductions, bonuses, overtime, and commissions
• Coordinate benefit open enrollment and communicate options and procedures to employees
• Support union audit reporting and prepare required documentation
• Respond to employee inquiries about compensation and benefits in a timely, professional manner
• Supervise, train, and mentor payroll and benefits team members
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations, including ACA and wage reporting
• Collaborate with HR on onboarding and offboarding to ensure accurate payroll and benefits transitions
• Continuously improve payroll and benefits processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Manage payroll software and resolve technical issues promptly
• Maintain current documentation for standard operating procedures
• Administer employee benefits including health insurance, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans
• Track and process benefits changes due to life events such as births, marriages, and retirements
• Coordinate with HRIS or payroll vendors to maintain accurate data and smooth integrations
• Manage year-end payroll processing and distribute W-2 forms
• Stay current with employment and tax laws impacting payroll and benefits

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in payroll and benefits administration
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience managing payroll or benefits staff
• Strong knowledge of California labor laws and federal/state payroll regulations
• Experience with union and non-union payroll processing
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Familiarity with payroll software systems and benefits platforms
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Strong understanding of wage and tax reporting requirements
• Experience handling payroll in manufacturing or industrial settings

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in manufacturing, mining, construction, or related heavy industry sectors
• Knowledge of Arizona labor law in addition to California regulations
• Prior involvement in collective bargaining agreement administration
• Ability to troubleshoot software and improve system performance
• Experience with HRIS and integrated payroll/benefit systems

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $110,000