HR Generalist at Oilgear in Traverse City, MI

• Own weekly and biweekly payroll for supported locations in ADP Workforce Now, from validating inputs through submission for final approval.
• Determine the correct treatment of pay changes, deductions, garnishments, and final pay under federal and multi-state wage laws, and approve routine corrections and off-cycle payments within the established threshold, bringing larger corrections to the payroll approver.
• Maintain multi-state payroll tax setup, including state registration when an employee begins working in a new state.
• Analyze payroll data, prepare reports for Accounting, and identify trends and process improvements.

• Administer benefits, including eligibility determinations for enrollments, qualifying life events, and terminations; coordinate COBRA and open enrollment.
• Process 401(k) deferral changes and support remittance and reconciliation.
• Provide benefits eligibility and hours data to support the Director's year-end ACA reporting.
• Reconcile benefits deductions to carrier invoices and resolve billing and enrollment issues with carriers, looping in the Director on plan or vendor concerns.
• Interpret plan provisions and HR policies to advise employees and managers on pay, benefits, PTO, attendance, and leave.

• Administer FMLA and state leaves, including eligibility and designation determinations, certifications, notices, and tracking, and flag cases nearing exhaustion to the HR Manager.
• Coordinate short-term disability claims and return-to-work dates with the carrier.
• Recognize when a leave, return-to-work, or employee request may involve an accommodation, and bring it to the HR Manager.
• Respond to unemployment claims and agency requests, partnering with the HR Manager on contested claims and looping in the Director on agency charges or audits.
• Maintain confidential medical and leave files separate from personnel files.

• Coordinate pre-onboarding after the signed offer, including background checks, drug screens, MVRs, ADP onboarding, and the IT equipment request.
• Complete Form I-9 and E-Verify, including determining document acceptability and resolving cases.
• Set up new hires in ADP and deliver Day 1 orientation, including benefits enrollment.
• Process separations, including final pay, PTO payout, benefits termination, and equipment return, working with the HR Manager on involuntary separations.
• Maintain personnel files, required postings, and compliance training records.

• Plan and lead employee events and recognition programs, including selecting vendors and managing the approved budget; partner with the HR Manager on shared events.
• Maintain the HR events calendar.
• Prepare conference rooms for leadership meetings, visitors, and interview candidates, and handle incoming and outgoing mail, sharing coverage with the HR Manager.

• Participate in weekly HR team syncs and regular 1:1s with the Director to share updates on payroll, leaves, onboarding, and open items.
• Bring employee relations concerns and complaints to the HR Manager and partner on next steps.
• Alert the HR Manager and Director right away to harassment, discrimination, or safety concerns; legal or agency notices; and payroll errors affecting multiple employees.
• Cross-train with the HR Manager on payroll and shared work so coverage is always in place.
• Recommend improvements to HR processes and policies.
• Grow into broader HR responsibilities; reporting may move to the HR Manager – Traverse City in the future.

• ADP Workforce Now (HRIS, Payroll, Benefits), E-Verify, background screening vendor portal, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)

• Associate's degree in Human Resources or Business, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of HR generalist or HR and payroll experience.
• Hands-on payroll processing experience; ADP Workforce Now preferred.
• Experience administering benefits and FMLA or other leaves of absence.
• Working knowledge of FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, Form I-9 and E-Verify, COBRA, HIPAA privacy, and ERISA.
• Working knowledge of multi-state wage and hour, final pay, and leave laws.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions on payroll, benefits, or leave matters.
• Strong Excel skills, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field.
• Multi-state payroll experience.
• Recruiting experience, preferably for hourly or skilled-trade roles.
• aPHR, PHR, or SHRM-CP certification, or active pursuit.
• Manufacturing experience.

• Accuracy: Ensures payroll and data changes are accurate and compliant.
• Judgment: Applies policy and law to make sound, independent decisions on payroll, benefits, and leave matters.
• Service Orientation: Responds to employees promptly and courteously.
• Confidentiality: Protects employee and pay data.
• Organization: Manages recurring deadlines and multiple requests.
• Accountability: Owns tasks through completion.

• Deadline-Driven: Plans ahead for payroll and filing deadlines.
• Professionalism: Maintains discretion and respect.
• Dependable: Follows through on commitments.
• Continuous Learner: Builds HR knowledge and skills.

• Primarily office-based role with occasional visits to production areas.
• Regular use of standard office equipment (computer, phone, copier, etc.).
• Must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Requires sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday.
• Occasional exposure to shop environments with potential noise, dust, odors, and fumes.
• Occasional travel to Oilgear facilities (0–5%).

• General and site-specific safety training.
• HR compliance training (FMLA, ADA, EEO, harassment prevention).
• ADP Workforce Now (HRIS, payroll, and benefits) training.
• ISO 9001 processes and procedures.
• Customer service and conflict resolution training.

• Safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, and ear protection when in production or test areas.
• Additional PPE as required for specific environments or tasks.

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Optional hospital, critical illness, and accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Safety shoe reimbursement program
• Safety glasses reimbursement program
• Tuition assistance up to $5,000 per year