Human Resources Specialist

Job Title: HR Specialist – Payroll & HR OperationsIndustry: ManufacturingLocation (city, state): Hoffman Estates, ILAssignment Type: Direct HirePay: $80,000-$85,000 annually + 8% annual bonusWork Schedule: Monday–Friday, standard business hours. Fully onsite for the first 90 days, with the potential to transition to a hybrid schedule afterward (typically 3 days onsite and up to 2 days remote, based on management discretion and business needs).Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, paid holidays, PTO, and a 401(k) with a 100% company match on contributions up to 5%.About The Company:

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Our client is an established organization within the manufacturing industry seeking an HR professional to join its collaborative, close-knit Human Resources team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a hands-on role, takes initiative, and wants to expand their knowledge across multiple areas of HR while contributing to a positive employee experience.
Job Description: The HR Specialist will play a key role in payroll administration, onboarding, benefits, and day-to-day HR operations. This position is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in payroll and employee onboarding who is eager to develop additional HR expertise. The successful candidate will receive hands-on training and collaborate closely with HR leadership and HR Business Partners, with the opportunity to gradually take ownership of broader HR responsibilities.Key Responsibilities:Process biweekly payroll for employees, ensuring accurate calculations for wages, deductions, garnishments, paid time off, and leave-related adjustments.Review employee timecards and payroll changes, investigate discrepancies, and maintain accurate payroll records.Assist with weekly Canadian payroll processing and support related system transitions.Manage employee information and workflows within the HRIS, including new hires, compensation updates, performance reviews, and employee changes.Coordinate the complete onboarding process, from offer letter processing and pre-employment screenings to new hire documentation and first-day preparation.Facilitate weekly new hire orientation, providing training, answering questions, and helping employees transition successfully into the organization.Support employee training initiatives and learning and development programs.Assist with benefits administration, employee inquiries, eligibility updates, and annual open enrollment.Help administer merit increases, performance review cycles, and commission-related system updates.Coordinate interview scheduling and provide administrative support to HR leadership and HR Business Partners.Assist with leave administration, including FMLA and other leave-related processes.Identify opportunities to improve HR workflows, maintain accurate employee records, and provide responsive support to employees and managers.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree required.Approximately 2–4 years of HR experience, ideally in an HR Coordinator, HR Specialist, or junior HR Generalist capacity.Previous hands-on payroll processing experience is required, including familiarity with timekeeping, payroll adjustments, and related administration.Experience coordinating onboarding and new hire orientation.Familiarity with an HRIS; UKG experience is strongly preferred.Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate, confidential employee records.Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage recurring deadlines and competing priorities.A proactive, collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn additional areas of HR.Ability to work onsite in Hoffman Estates, IL, during the initial training period.Perks:Competitive compensation with an annual bonus opportunity.Medical, dental, and vision insurance.Short-term and long-term disability coverage.Life insurance.Paid holidays and PTO.401(k) with a 100% company match on contributions up to 5%.Collaborative team environment with hands-on mentorship. xzbcwsv Opportunities for professional development and potential future growth into an HR Business Partner role.