Payroll & benefits specialist

Why work for Manitou Group? Manitou is purposefully committed to you, its people. Based on a “One United Team” focus, we internationally cultivate our purpose-driven and agile work environment. As an equal opportunity employer, we cultivate, build and elevate our more than 6000 employees and their diversity across more than 30 countries we operate in. There are 6 main plants with locations in France, the USA, India, Italy and more than 30 subsidiaries all around the world. Are you looking for a new opportunity? Join us to be part of our continuous success.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

As a Payroll and Benefits Specialist, this role will be responsible for processing all biweekly payrolls for the US and Canada. In addition to payroll responsibilities, this role will be the primary contact and administrator for our benefits, leave of absence, and wellness programs. This role will partner closely with HR, Finance, and Operations.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• End-to-End Payroll Management: Process biweekly multi-state US and Canadian payrolls in Paylocity for 1,000 employees, ensuring strict compliance with Federal, State, and Provincial regulations.
• Benefits & Open Enrollment Administration: Direct day-to-day administration of employee benefits—including qualifying life events, enrollments, and terminations—and co-lead the annual Open Enrollment cycle.
• Leave of Absence Coordination: Oversee administrative workflows for FMLA, ADA accommodations, parental leave, and disability programs in partnership with third-party administrators and local HR team members.
• HR Data Integrity & Collaboration: Partner with HR, Finance, and Accounting to ensure seamless data flow, accurate vendor/carrier billing reconciliation, and timely monthly account processing.
• HRIS Systems & Auditing: Audit Paylocity system integrations, maintain data integrity, and lead routine, quarterly, and annual payroll/benefits compliance audits.
• Process Optimization: Proactively identify opportunities to automate HR workflows, streamline payroll/benefits operations, and enhance the overall employee experience.
• Employee Relations & Inquiry Resolution: Act as the primary subject matter expert for employee and manager inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and leave policies.
• SOP & Policy Governance: Document, update, and enforce standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and compliance policies across payroll and benefits operations.

EXPERIENCE:

Three to five years of payroll processing. One year of benefits and leave of absence administration. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion. Excellent problem solving/judgement skills.

EXPERTISE:

Must have strong attention to detail, the ability to work independently and excellent collaboration skills to partner effectively across all departments within the organization. HRIS Experience; Paylocity experience preferred.

EDUCATION:

Associates Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or Accounting preferred.

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS:

Internal communication within all levels of the organization.

What does MANITOU Group offer?

Base Salary Range between $60,000 - $85,000 per year, plus a potential quarterly bonus based on performance metrics *Actual pay determined by experience level, skills, qualifications & work location. This position is located in West Bend, Wisconsin Hybrid Position - Opportunity to work remotely up to 2 days/week. Travel Requirements - no travel required. In addition to an inclusive compensation package, we offer a comprehensive benefits program including Medical/Dental/Vision, a matching 401k, tuition reimbursement, volunteer program, wellness activities, employee and family activities throughout the year and so much more!

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Manitou Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status or disability status.

What is MANITOU Group? To learn more about Manitou Group, click here.