Compensations & Benefits HR Generalist

Challenge Manufacturing • Walker, MI

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a detail-oriented, people-focused Human Resources Generalist with strong payroll administration experience to support its manufacturing workforce. The role primarily oversees weekly payroll processing, timekeeping administration, payroll auditing, garnishments, and leave administration, while also supporting broader HR functions. The position requires balancing employee support with compliance, accuracy, confidentiality, and operational efficiency in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is a full-time, on-site position at Challenge Manufacturing’s plant in Walker, Michigan. Occasional early arrivals, late departures, or weekend work may be required to meet customer needs, deadlines, or urgent requests. Challenge is an employee-owned automotive company; its ESOP provides employee-owners with annual company shares as an additional retirement benefit.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of human resources and/or payroll administration experience.
• Experience processing high-volume hourly payroll.
• Experience with HRIS/HCM systems.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality and accuracy in payroll processing.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in difficult situations, both individually and in groups.
• Ability to work with urgency and meet payroll deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ethical practice, sound judgment, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Ability to address conflict objectively by listening, staying focused on issues, and driving resolution.
• Thoroughness, accuracy, and reliability in performing and completing job tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to support multiple HR disciplines, including employee relations, payroll administration, benefits, onboarding, and compliance.
• Ability to inspire, influence, and develop positive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Understanding of the operational impact of payroll and HR decisions on the overall business.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• Experience managing timekeeping systems, payroll audits, garnishments, and leave administration.
• Previous experience with Workday.
• PHR certification.
• Union relations experience, particularly with the UAW.
• Previous automotive manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for hourly employees by reviewing and auditing timecards, resolving discrepancies, ensuring approvals, and validating accuracy before submission.
• Administer and maintain employee timekeeping records, attendance tracking, and payroll-related data integrity.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee pay concerns, including missed punches, shift differentials, and overtime issues.
• Manage payroll garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other wage attachments in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Coordinate leave administration, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers’ compensation, personal leaves, and return-to-work communication.
• Serve as a key contact for employee payroll- and leave-related questions and communications.
• Support payroll audits, reporting, reconciliations, and compliance activities, maintaining accurate payroll processing and records.
• Maintain employee and applicant records in HRIS/HCM systems according to company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, and new-hire processing.
• Support employee relations activities, including investigations, disciplinary actions, coaching conversations, and documentation.
• Coach and guide supervisors and managers on employee relations matters, attendance concerns, and policy interpretation.
• Assist with recruiting as needed, including reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and onboarding new employees.
• Monitor attendance, tardiness, and absenteeism reporting and ensure appropriate documentation and follow-up.
• Support benefits administration, including enrollments, changes, open-enrollment communication, and employee education.
• Maintain and support employee recognition and engagement programs.
• Cross-train and support additional HR functions as business needs evolve.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): employee-owners receive company shares annually as an additional retirement benefit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time