HR Specialist 1

FIDELITY MANUFACTURING•Ocala, FL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The HR Specialist I supports core HR functions across multiple locations, with primary responsibility for payroll processing, benefits administration, and leave-of-absence coordination, including FMLA and ADA processes. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant execution of HR processes while serving as a resource to team members and supervisors. Working closely with HR leadership, the HR Specialist I provides training and guidance to managers, maintains confidential records, supports employee engagement efforts, and contributes to HR projects and process improvements that strengthen scalable operations across the organization.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience in Human Resources or a related field.
Experience with HRIS systems; Paylocity experience preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to interpret policies and apply them to real-world situations.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.
Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience or exposure to payroll, benefits administration, leave administration, or HR operations preferred.
Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and general HR compliance concepts preferred.

Responsibilities

Own and process payroll for multiple locations, ensuring accuracy, timely submission, and adherence to established payroll deadlines.
Review timecards across locations; identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies with plant managers before payroll submission.
Exercise sound judgment in resolving payroll and timekeeping issues and escalate concerns to HR leadership, as appropriate.
Interpret and apply company policies and applicable wage-and-hour requirements to support compliant payroll practices.
Prepare, analyze, and distribute payroll-related reports; identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement.
Train supervisors and managers on payroll processes, timekeeping procedures, deadlines, and related compliance expectations.
Serve as a resource to team members and supervisors regarding benefits eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, and other benefit-related questions.
Administer benefit processes through HR systems, including new-hire enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, ongoing updates, and open enrollment support.
Interpret benefit policies and provide training and guidance to managers and team members on benefit-related processes.
Administer, track, and coordinate leave-of-absence requests, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, and other applicable leave programs.
Partner with the HR Manager to evaluate eligibility, manage required documentation, coordinate the interactive process, and determine appropriate next steps for leave and accommodation requests.
Communicate with team members and supervisors regarding leave requirements, certification deadlines, documentation, restrictions, accommodations, and return-to-work processes.
Train supervisors and managers on FMLA, ADA, confidentiality expectations, documentation requirements, and when to involve HR.
Maintain accurate and confidential payroll, benefits, leave, and accommodation records in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
Identify potential risks, compliance concerns, or process inconsistencies related to payroll, benefits, leave, or accommodations, and escalate concerns to HR leadership as appropriate.
Coordinate and support employee engagement activities and initiatives across locations; partner with HR team members to promote a positive workplace culture and team member experience.
Support HR projects, HRIS/Paylocity workflows, reporting, process-improvement efforts, and automation initiatives as assigned.
Assist in standardizing HR processes and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability across locations.
Serve as a resource to supervisors and managers regarding HR-related processes and questions.
Travel as needed to support HR initiatives at other locations.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by management.