HR & Payroll Generalist

HR & Payroll Generalist

Location: Fairfield County, CT

Work Arrangement: Full-Time | 100% On-Site

Compensation: Up to $100,000 Annually

Position Overview

Elite Placement Group is partnering with an established, growing manufacturing organization seeking an experienced, hands-on HR & Payroll Generalist to oversee day-to-day human resources operations, employee relations, payroll administration, and workforce planning.

This position is ideal for an HR professional who enjoys being actively involved with employees on the manufacturing floor while also managing payroll, compliance, benefits, and strategic HR initiatives.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted resource to employees, supervisors, and senior leadership, taking ownership of the HR function across multiple locations.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Manufacturing Operations

• Maintain a visible, approachable presence on the manufacturing floor, building strong relationships with hourly employees and supervisors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, workplace concerns, and conflict resolution.
• Coach managers on employee performance, attendance, disciplinary procedures, and workplace policies.
• Oversee onboarding, orientation, employee retention, and temporary staffing programs.
• Partner with operations leadership to address staffing needs, overtime, and workforce challenges.

Payroll & HR Administration

• Independently manage biweekly payroll for 100+ employees using ADP TotalSource.
• Process new hires, terminations, compensation changes, PTO, and employee leave.
• Administer employee benefits, 401(k), workers' compensation, and related HR programs.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure HRIS data integrity.
• Coordinate payroll reporting, benefits reconciliations, and related accounting activities.

HR Compliance & Benefits

• Ensure compliance with federal and multi-state employment regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and ACA.
• Coordinate annual performance reviews and employee evaluations.
• Manage benefits administration, open enrollment, and employee inquiries.
• Maintain and update employee handbooks, HR policies, and procedures.
• Support HR initiatives across multiple business locations.

Workforce Planning & Analytics

• Develop HR reports and dashboards tracking headcount, turnover, attendance, overtime, and labor costs.
• Partner with Finance and leadership on workforce budgeting and headcount planning.
• Identify employee retention risks, succession planning needs, and organizational talent gaps.
• Support organizational growth, process improvements, and HR integration initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• 3–7 years of progressive HR generalist experience.
• At least 2 years of hands-on HR experience supporting hourly employees in a manufacturing or plant environment.
• Demonstrated experience independently processing payroll for 100+ employees.
• Strong employee relations, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of federal and multi-state employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, HR reporting, and data analysis.
• Ability to independently manage multiple HR responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Preferred

• Experience with ADP TotalSource or a similar PEO platform.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification.
• Experience supporting multiple locations or business entities.
• Exposure to workforce analytics, succession planning, and organizational development.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Additional Position Details

• This is a fully on-site position requiring regular interaction with manufacturing employees and management.
• Quarterly out-of-state travel is required, generally 3–4 days per trip.
• The position offers an opportunity to take ownership of HR operations while contributing to longer-term workforce strategy and organizational growth.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary up to $100,000
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Employee referral program

Elite Placement Group, LLC

Connecting Exceptional Talent with Outstanding Opportunities.

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