Human Resources Business Partner

The Human Resources Business Partner plans, directs, and coordinates functions related to the organization's employees and contractors. This role handles all administrative HR duties, including payroll, and is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining human resources policies, procedures, and forms.

The HR Business Partner assists and supports department managers and employees with personnel issues and maintains personnel records in compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements. This position is responsible for the administrative processing of employees from the beginning of employment through separation.

Job Functions and Performance Standards

Essential Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

• Process payroll accurately and timely for all employees using a third-party payroll service.
• Prepare and submit payroll reports, 401(k) deposits, and tax filings as required.
• Maintain accurate records of employee earnings, deductions, and hours worked.
• Address payroll and human resource inquiries from employees and management.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Oversee timekeeping processes. Plant managers are responsible for approving employee time records.
• Review and approve year-end tax documents in a timely manner.

Employee Lifecycle Management

• Complete onboarding and offboarding processes in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and assist with employee recruitment, hiring, orientation, and training.
• Determine employee classifications and ensure completion of all required training and employment documentation.
• Coordinate and participate in employee terminations and exit interviews.

Additional Responsibilities:

HR Administration & Process Improvement

• Drive continuous process improvements in HR administration and payroll accounting.
• Participate in budget optimization efforts and strategic planning for Human Resources, including benefits administration.
• Handle special payroll and HR projects as assigned.
• Post job openings and conduct initial candidate screenings for direct-hire positions.
• Manage annual benefits open enrollment.
• Manage workers' compensation policies, audits, and claims.

Employee Relations

• Assist and support department managers and employees regarding personnel issues.
• Answer employee questions related to personnel policies, procedures, and benefits.
• Research and disseminate relevant personnel information to managers and employees.
• Coordinate and assist managers with employee reviews and performance appraisals.

Records Management

• Establish and maintain personnel records and reports.
• Maintain company organizational charts and employee directories.

Workers' Compensation Administration

• Coordinate accident reporting and workers' compensation claims.
• Handle insurance follow-up related to workers' compensation claims.
• Manage return-to-work documentation and disability paperwork.

Policy Development & Compliance

• Under the direction of the CEO and/or Director of Finance, develop, implement, and update personnel policies, procedures, and forms.
• Remain current on employment laws, regulations, and workforce trends affecting personnel matters, including equal employment opportunity and workplace safety.
• Recommend new or revised policies and procedures as appropriate.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

The position is performed primarily in a traditional office environment. Duties require extended periods of sitting and extensive use of computers and other office equipment.

Occasional time may be spent on the production floor, where exposure to moving machinery, forklifts, and elevated noise levels may occur.

Authorities:

This position has authority including, but not limited to:

• Enrolling employees in benefit plans after completion of waiting periods or eligibility requirements.
• Approving the processing and payment of weekly hourly payroll.
• Approving claims or applications for benefits under company benefit plans.

Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.

Licenses/Certifications

• SPHR or comparable HR certification strongly preferred.
• Membership in a professional organization such as SHRM is beneficial.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of HR experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Minimum of 5 years of ADP payroll administration experience required.
• Familiarity with federal employment laws and regulations required.
• Knowledge of state employment regulations, standards, and guidelines preferred.
• Multi-state FMLA experience preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.

Skills and Competencies:

Human Resources & Payroll

• Several years of experience in payroll and HR administration.
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with payroll software.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including:
• Outlook
• Excel
• Word
• Teams

Professional Skills

• Strong team-oriented mindset.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Capacity and eagerness to learn a wide variety of topics.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to assess work objectively before submission.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a high volume of work while maintaining quality standards.
• Leadership skills are a plus.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with executive leadership, legal personnel, employees, and contractors.
• Regular use of telephone, email, and other communication methods is required.
• Sitting for extended periods is common.
• Normal hearing and vision are required to conduct conversations, receive information, prepare documents, and review records.
• Occasional walking through production areas may be required.

Warren Averett is an equal opportunity employer. We hire, promote and make all other employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, military service, disability, age, or any other unlawful basis.