Director of Human Resources, Payroll, and Benefits

Senior leader directing HR, payroll, and benefits operations across multiple states for roughly 950 employees, driving structure, efficiency, compliance, and service levels while partnering with leadership on organizational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR, payroll, and benefits operations for about 950 employees across multiple states, restaurant locations, and the corporate office
• Lead, develop, and support the HR and Payroll team
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including review of timekeeping, deductions, garnishments, adjustments, and year-end reporting
• Administer benefits programs, encompassing enrollments, changes, terminations, employee communications, and vendor coordination
• Maintain employee records with strong data integrity and confidentiality across HR and payroll systems
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and payroll regulations, including wage and hour, I-9, ACA, W-2, 1095-C, unemployment, and related reporting
• Oversee onboarding, status changes, offboarding, and related workflows to ensure timely processing
• Support employee relations with sound judgment and proper documentation
• Update and maintain HR policies, procedures, and handbook content as needed
• Design, improve, and standardize HR and payroll processes to improve consistency, efficiency, and accountability
• Collaborate with Accounting and leadership to ensure accurate payroll entries, clean data flow, and timely reporting
• Prepare internal reports, audit support schedules, and compliance documentation as required
• Monitor service levels for employee inquiries, payroll issues, and benefits administration, driving improvements
• Identify risks, bottlenecks, and process gaps, implementing practical solutions to strengthen execution
• Assist leadership with organizational planning, policy interpretation, and people-related operational matters
• Support special projects and initiatives aligned with company growth and organizational development
• Provide flexible support for additional tasks that advance the department and overall company objectives
• Perform other duties as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in human resources, payroll, benefits, or related leadership roles
• Experience managing both HR and payroll functions in multi-location or multi-entity environments preferred
• Supervisory or people-management experience required
• Strong working knowledge of payroll processes, benefits administration, and employment law compliance
• Experience handling sensitive employee matters with professionalism and discretion
• Proficiency with HRIS / HCM systems and payroll platforms
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Strong organizational, communication, and follow-through skills in a deadline-driven environment
• Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on execution
• Authorized to work in the United States

Technologies

• HRIS / HCM systems
• Payroll platforms
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays

Compensation and work details

Salary: USD 100,000 - 120,000 per year

Location: Albuquerque, NM, onsite

Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer