HR Operations and Payroll Specialist

Albemarle•Pasadena, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The HR Operations Specialist plays a critical role in delivering high quality HR operational support, ensuring data accuracy, maintaining compliance, and creating an exceptional employee experience. This role provides comprehensive HR and administrative support across all U.S. plant locations and serves as a key point of contact for employees and leaders. The Specialist manages a wide range of HR processes including onboarding/offboarding, benefits administration, absence and time management, payroll reporting and processing, recruiting coordination, and inquiry management. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, skilled in HRIS systems (Workday preferred), and thrives in a fast paced, service focused environment. The HR Operations Team Lead works closely with this position and oversees the work to ensure consistent execution across locations.

Requirements

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field
3+ years of experience in HR operations with direct, hands-on payroll processing experience required
Experience processing payroll in any HRIS or payroll system (Workday preferred but not required)
Strong communication skills and customer service orientation
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
Knowledge of payroll, benefits, hiring, and compliance processes
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with high attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities across locations

Nice To Haves

Experience with Workday HCM and/or Workday Payroll
Experience in a multi-location or manufacturing environment
Experience in an HR Service Center or HR Contact Center model
Familiarity with case management tools (ServiceNow, FreshWorks, etc.)
High level of professionalism, adaptability, and confidentiality

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for HR operational inquiries through the case management system and approved support channels
Resolve standard requests related to HR policies, benefits, leave, pay, timekeeping, HRIS data, and employee information changes
Intake, triage, research, and resolve inquiries; escalate complex or sensitive issues appropriately
Support onboarding, employee setup, orientation logistics, and offboarding activities
Maintain confidentiality and communicate clearly and professionally
Support end-to-end payroll activities, including preparation, input validation, and issue resolution
Process and validate payroll data such as effective dates, earnings, deductions, taxes, and work locations across all U.S. sites
Perform payroll audits and quality checks to ensure accuracy and compliance before final processing
Partner with Payroll to resolve discrepancies, off-cycle payments, and complex pay issues
Serve as a resource for employees and managers on pay and timekeeping-related questions
Identify recurring payroll or data issues and recommend improvements or escalate system concerns
Provide guidance on timekeeping processes, including correcting punches, transfers, and schedules
Support employees with benefits navigation, enrollment, and life event changes
Direct employees to appropriate vendors and resources when needed
Provide backup support to HR Business Partners as needed across U.S. locations
Collaborate with HR, Payroll, Finance, and plant leadership on HR initiatives and projects
Act as a subject matter resource on HR operational processes and data standards
Ensure compliance with internal processes and support audits and reporting needs
Recommend and support process improvements to increase efficiency and consistency
Work independently, applying sound judgment and consistent decision-making
Contribute to HR Operations initiatives focused on standardization and employee experience