HR Manager

AKG North America Inc•Mebane, NC

71d•Onsite

About The Position

The HR Manager – Payroll, Benefits & Employee Relations is responsible for leading payroll, while serving as a key driver of employee relations, engagement, and workplace culture. This role ensures accurate, compliant payroll operations through oversight and process ownership, while fostering a positive employee experience through strong leadership presence, communication, and proactive employee relations support. This position plays a critical role in building trust, supporting leaders, and strengthening the employee experience—aligned with The AKG Way: Safety, Respect for Others, Accountability, and Being Part of the Solution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business, or a related field required.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including payroll and employee relations responsibilities.
Previous leadership or management experience within Human Resources required, including experience supporting, coaching, or guiding team members.
Strong understanding of payroll processes (oversight level)
Experience handling employee relations issues and investigations
Proven ability to lead and develop team members
Strong coaching and influencing skills with leaders
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
High attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information
Supports practices that protect employee well-being
Builds trust through fair and consistent interactions
Owns outcomes and ensures follow-through
Proactively identifies issues and drives improvements

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of management or supervisory experience preferred.
Experience in a multi-site and/or manufacturing environment preferred.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills strongly preferred.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight of payroll operations across multi-site locations (NC & SD)
Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance through established processes and team execution
Review and approve payroll outputs, audits, and reconciliations
Partner with Finance on payroll-related items (accruals, reporting inputs)
Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for process improvement
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment with Finance, HR, and leadership
Develop SOP, Work Instructions and Audit processes
Serve as primary HR partner to managers for employee relations matters
Lead and/or oversee investigations and ensure fair, consistent outcomes
Coach leaders on performance management, accountability, and communication
Support corrective action processes and documentation
Identify trends and proactively address workplace concerns
Reinforce a culture of trust, fairness, and accountability
Collaborate with leadership teams to ensure consistency across locations
Lead employee engagement strategy and execution (surveys, recognition programs, events)
Own and enhance programs such as Catch ‘Em Right and Employee of the Month
Oversee employee communications (including Paylocity Community postings)
Partner with leadership to improve communication effectiveness across teams
Drive action planning based on employee feedback and survey results
Develop initiatives that strengthen culture, trust, and employee experience
Ensure consistent engagement practices across locations and teams
Collaboration with HR Team Members for continuous improvement projects
Consistent application of policies and procedures across the organization
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support business and operational needs.