HR Specialist: Payroll & Benefits

System Dynamics Intl•Huntsville, AL

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

The HR & Benefits Specialist provides operational support across payroll, benefits, onboarding, and general HR administration. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate employee records, supporting payroll processing activities, administering benefits, and ensuring a smooth onboarding experience for new hires. The position partners closely with Finance, Program Control, Contracts and external vendors to ensure compliance, data integrity, and a positive employee experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Demonstrated experience supporting HR operations and benefits administration in a regulated or compliance-driven environment.
Experience supporting or administering 401(k) plans, including coordination with payroll and third‑party administrators and responding to employee questions.
Experience working with unionized workforces and administering benefits and employment practices in accordance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
Familiarity with government contracting environments, including Service Contract Act (SCA) requirements.
Proficiency with HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, Unanet) and strong Excel and reporting skills.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience assisting with union negotiations, grievances, or contract interpretation.
Knowledge of benefits compliance related to SCA, union fringe calculations, or multi‑plan environments.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day HR support across benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, recruiting, training, affirmative action, and policy implementation.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, SCA, and applicable union agreements.
Serve as the HR subject matter expert for government contracting requirements, ensuring HR practices align with contract terms and federal regulations.
Support and respond to ISO, government, and compliance audits, including preparation of required documentation.
Maintain and administer HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks.
Ensure accurate maintenance of personnel records, confidential medical files, and required documentation in accordance with record‑retention requirements.
Communicate policy updates and procedural changes to employees and management.
Administer employee benefit programs, including eligibility, enrollments, changes, invoicing, and issue resolution.
Manage and support the company’s 401(k) plan, including contribution calculations, coordination with payroll and third‑party administrators, audit support, and employee inquiries.
Ensure proper administration of union benefits and fringe requirements, including compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and Service Contract Act (SCA) obligations.
Support annual open enrollment and employee benefit communications.
Support administration of the Affirmative Action Program (AAP) and preparation of required reports, including EEO‑1 and VETS‑4212.
Partner with finance, payroll, and contracts teams to ensure accurate labor reporting and compliance with government contract requirements.
Support the full recruitment and onboarding process, ensuring completion of required documentation and compliance training.
Provide employee relations support, including performance management guidance, investigations, corrective actions, and offboarding.
Assist with union-related matters, including interpretation of contract provisions and grievance support, as needed.
Maintain HRIS data in ADP and Unanet, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance.
Generate HR and benefits reports to support leadership, audits, payroll, government reporting, and workforce planning.