Payroll Benefits Manager

Payroll & Benefits Manager Millburn, NJ$120,000-$135,000 ($120k base + 12.5% bonus)Office based 4 days, 1 day WFHFull time, permanentHR Recruit are currently seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager for our fast growing organization based in Millburn, NJ. The organisation is a service company that has a few sites serving the Northeast. Their vision is to be the premier organization in their field. You will report into the VP HR and there is 1 direct report.The company is looking for a seasoned Manager (Payroll & Compliance) to oversee and expand payroll operations while ensuring strong HR compliance amid rapid growth. This position plays a key role in maintaining accurate, efficient, and compliant HR processes across a multi-state workforce in the Northeast.The ideal candidate has a well-rounded HR background, with strong experience leading payroll and HR administration in mid-sized organizations (500–1,000 employees). They will be responsible for ensuring compliance with evolving employment laws, developing and scaling policies and processes, optimizing HR systems, and partnering closely with leadership to build a strong, compliant HR foundation.Role ResponsibilitiesOversee full-cycle payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across a multi-state workforceAct as the primary Paychex administrator, optimizing payroll, timekeeping, and system workflowsMaintain compliance with federal and state employment laws (NY, NJ, PA), including wage and hour regulations, ACA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC, and related requirementsLead HR compliance initiatives, including audits, risk management, and regulatory updatesDesign and implement scalable HR policies, procedures, and governance frameworksManage leave administration, employee accommodations, and workers’ compensation programsHandle unemployment claims, ensuring accurate documentation and timely responsesAdminister compensation and benefits programs, including bonuses and commission structuresDrive HR systems strategy, including implementation, integration, and ongoing optimization of platformsLead HR reporting and analytics, providing insights into personnel costs and workforce trendsSupervise and develop an HR Generalist, ensuring efficient execution of HR operationsCollaborate with leadership to design and deliver high-quality HR programs and a strong employee experiencePerson SpecificationBachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Management, or a related field7+ years of progressive HR experience, with a focus on payroll and complianceDemonstrated experience managing payroll for 500–1,000+ hourly employeesSolid understanding of HR operations, compliance, and scaling within high-growth environmentsIn-depth knowledge of payroll processes, controls, and multi-state compliance requirementsStrong capability to partner with senior leadership while exercising sound judgment and discretionExcellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisionsProficient in HRIS, payroll, and timekeeping systems, with a focus on optimizing workflowsHigh level of attention to detail, with a strong emphasis on accuracy and audit readinessHighly organized, with the ability to create structure in fast-paced, ambiguous environmentsBackground in multi-unit, customer-facing, or high-growth environments with hourly workforcesStrong knowledge of multi-state employment lawsPrimarily office-based role with occasional travel to field locationsIn return you will receive a salary of up to $120,000 plus 12.5% bonus and excellent benefits.HR Recruit are a national HR focused recruitment agency. We have a team of focused, expert HR executives, proven amongst the leaders in the marketplace. HR Recruit work diligently and meticulously on behalf of a wide range of organisations to secure leading talent. With a proven track record of delivering outstanding results to industry-leading clients our extensive experience as an HR recruitment company means we possess the contacts, specialized knowledge, agility, tactfulness, motivation, trustworthiness and innovative approach to deliver for our clients.We recruit for permanent, interim and part-time roles across the US.www.hr-recruit.com