Sunnyvale, CA
Summary of Job Function
The Payroll & Benefits Manager is a senior-level role within the People Operations and Culture department, responsible for overseeing and executing all payroll and benefits administration for a manufacturing organization. This position ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing while managing comprehensive employee benefits programs. The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of experience supporting manufacturing workforces, deep technical payroll expertise, and the ability to partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Operations.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Management
Lead end-to-end payroll operations for hourly and salaried employees, including complex manufacturing pay structures such as overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, and off-cycle payrolls
Manage employee payroll updates including pay rates, deductions, 401(k) contributions, and status changes
Create payroll batches, reconcile payroll, validate reports (earnings types, taxes, deductions, 401(k) match), and manage payroll approval processes
Serve as payroll system subject matter expert, including system implementations, data transfers, module setup, admin access, payroll codes, and tax configurations
Validate data in HRIS and payroll systems, identify discrepancies, reconcile variances, and maintain data integrity
Partner with department managers, supervisors, and employees to ensure accurate timecard entry, approvals, and payroll readiness
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and internal payroll policies
Manage multi-state payroll tax accounts, including new state registrations, system setup, account tracking, and issue resolution
Ensure proper deduction, funding, and reconciliation of employee and employer 401(k) contributions
Track PTO balances and notify supervisors of usage or discrepancies
Review, audit, and validate W-2s and year-end payroll reporting
Oversee employee change management including salary changes, promotions, status changes, title updates, and benefit elections
Support internal and external payroll audits and year-end processes
Benefits Administration
Oversee and administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, COBRA, and retirement plans
Partner with benefits brokers and vendors to manage enrollments, qualifying events, renewals, open enrollment, and escalated benefit issues
Coordinate benefits orientations, enrollment support, employee communications, and ongoing education
Reconcile benefits invoices and partner with Accounts Payable to ensure accurate and timely payments
Audit benefit enrollments and payroll deductions each pay period and quarterly to ensure accuracy
Maintain and update HRIS records for benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations
Lead 401(k) plan administration including employee enrollments, communications, issue resolution, and compliance support
Assist with ERISA, tax compliance audits, Workers’ Compensation audits, 401(k) audits, Form 5500 preparation, and other regulatory reporting
Generate reports and analyses as requested by leadership, vendors, or brokers
Develop and implement benefit communications, training workshops, and resources; maintain benefits information on the ADP home page or internal systems
Other Duties
Assist with the transition of employee personnel and benefits files to electronic systems
Support year-end payroll and benefits processes
Ensure strict confidentiality of employee records and sensitive information
Perform additional duties, reports, and special projects as assigned
Required Qualifications
10+ years of payroll and benefits experience, with significant experience in manufacturing environments
Proven expertise managing payroll for large, hourly workforces with complex schedules and overtime requirements
Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations, wage and hour compliance, and benefits administration
Hands-on experience with HRIS and payroll systems (ADP strongly preferred)
Experience managing 401(k) plans, audits, and regulatory reporting
Advanced attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality
Strong cross-functional communication and leadership skills
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or related field
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification
Experience supporting union or non-union manufacturing workforces
Experience with system implementations or process improvement initiatives
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