Human Resources Operations Manager
About The Position
Wenger Corporation is seeking a Human Resources Operations Manager to provide an exceptional customer experience by leading and continuously improving payroll, benefits, compensation, HR systems, workers’ compensation, compliance, and administrative services. The role supports team members, strengthens operational effectiveness, and contributes to making Wenger Corporation a great place to work. The position follows a hybrid schedule: onsite at the corporate headquarters in Owatonna, Minnesota, three days per week (Mondays, Thursdays, and one additional weekday) and remote two days per week. Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance. Travel is up to 25%, and the job shift is office hours. The manager leads the Payroll, Benefits, and Administrative Services teams; oversees benefits and leave administration, payroll and HRIS operations, compensation and retirement programs, and workers’ compensation and compliance; and evaluates and improves HR services and processes. The role includes managing vendor relationships, ensuring accurate and timely operational deliverables, preparing analysis and recommendations for leadership and the Compensation Committee, and coordinating employee surveys, events, and activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Administration degree in a business-related field.
- Two years of demonstrated success in a human resources leadership position.
- Proficiency with varied HRIS systems.
- Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products.
Nice To Haves
- Degree in Human Resources Management.
- Master’s or law degree, highly preferred.
- Manufacturing environment experience.
- Paycom HRIS experience.
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SHRM-PHR, or HRCI certification.
Responsibilities
- Lead Payroll, Benefits, and Administrative Services teams by setting priorities, balancing workloads, monitoring performance, and ensuring accurate, timely, confidential, service-focused work.
- Coach and develop team members through feedback, cross-training, accountability, and skill-development opportunities.
- Ensure effective front-desk, reception, documentation, scheduling, and general HR administrative support for team members, leaders, candidates, and visitors.
- Coordinate corporate events and team member activities, including appreciation events, holiday celebrations, and company picnics.
- Lead benefit renewals, broker and vendor relationships, open enrollment, wellness programming, and team member education.
- Research and recommend benefit and wellness program improvements based on organizational needs, market practices, compliance requirements, and program value.
- Oversee short- and long-term disability, FMLA, state-required paid leave, personal leaves of absence, and benefit payment collection for team members on unpaid leave.
- Maintain HRIS integrity and manage the system vendor relationship to support reliable data, effective workflows, and accurate reporting.
- Oversee weekly, biweekly, and bimonthly payroll processing in compliance with applicable laws and company requirements.
- Validate payroll registers, audit final payroll, approve payroll submissions, strengthen controls, and implement process improvements.
- Manage market pricing, internal equity analysis, merit planning, incentive compensation, and profit-sharing processes.
- Manage 401(k) vendor and fiduciary relationships, support the annual audit, coordinate team member education, and recommend program enhancements.
- Complete required analysis and reporting and prepare compensation and retirement-plan recommendations and presentations for leadership and the Compensation Committee.
- Manage workers’ compensation claims administration, carrier and broker relationships, required reporting, return-to-work coordination, and compliance.
- Monitor federal and state employment-law requirements and oversee Affirmative Action, EEO-1, VETS-100, Form 5500, record-retention, and workplace safety compliance.
- Coordinate engagement, new-hire, exit-interview, and pulse surveys; analyze results; and prepare actionable reporting and communications for HR and business leaders.
- Evaluate HR programs, processes, controls, and service delivery; prioritize improvements; and implement changes that strengthen compliance, efficiency, accuracy, and the team member experience.
Benefits
- Paid time off.
- Nine paid holidays.
- Generous profit sharing.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Spending accounts, including HSA, FSA, and DCFSA.
- Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Company-paid life insurance.
- Supplemental life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
