Payroll & Benefits Manager
9 days ago
New York
Job Description About Us LP Brands (LPB) is the corporate hub supporting the Lobster Place family of businesses: LP Seafood & Specialty (LPSS), our wholesale seafood distribution company; Lobster Place Hospitality Group (LPHG), which oversees our restaurant and retail operations. Across all entities, LP Brands drives people operations, finance, culture, systems, and compliance to ensure our teams can deliver exceptional service, hospitality, and product quality every day. Position Summary The Payroll & Benefits Manager ensures timely and accurate payroll processing, administers all health and welfare benefits, oversees leave management, and partners closely with both HR and Finance on compliance, reporting, and systems optimization. This role manages the full lifecycle of payroll and benefits and serves as a trusted resource for employees seeking clarity, support, and guidance. This individual reports directly to Human Resources (LP Brands) with a dotted line to Finance. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, analytical, bilingual in English and Spanish, and committed to improving processes that enhance the employee experience. This position follows a hybrid schedule, consisting of three remote workdays per week and two required in-office days at LPHG’s Manhattan location, with flexibility to occasionally visit the LPSS headquarters in the Bronx. Key Responsibilities Payroll Administration · Execute weekly payroll for all LP entities with accuracy and timeliness. · Validate all earnings, commissions, bonuses, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings. · Monitor payroll accuracy weekly and proactively identify trends or issues. · Maintain detailed and confidential payroll records; ensure data integrity. · Partner with Finance on labor coding, payroll journal entries, and reconciliations. · Manage special payroll items including back pay, adjustments, garnishments, and one-time payments. · Prepare recurring and ad hoc payroll-related reports. · Respond promptly and professionally to employee payroll inquiries. · Own and update the Tip Sheet and ensure compliance with policies. · Administer and maintain HRIS/payroll systems (ADP Workforce Now). · Manage WOTC filing, processing, and reporting. · Coordinate and distribute W2s. · Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll questions. Benefits Administration · Administer all employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, transit, and ancillary benefits. · Lead Annual Benefits Renewal in partnership with brokers and Finance. · Process all benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and file-feed updates. · Complete weekly and monthly benefit billing reconciliations (Medical, Dental, Vision, Transit). · Oversee COBRA administration. · Manage 401(k) and Pension programs, including enrollments, loans, distributions, audit preparation, and annual reporting. · Own Open Enrollment planning, employee communication, system configuration, and presentations. · Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions. Leave & Claims Management · Manage and administer all employee leave programs, including FMLA, Paid Family Leave (PFL), ADA accommodations, disability leaves, workers’ compensation, and personal leaves of absence. · File claims, track cases, manage accounts, and maintain accurate documentation. · Serve as the first line of communication for employees going out on or returning from leave. · Coordinate accurate pay and benefit continuation during leave periods. · Update calendars and internal notifications related to leaves. Compliance, Reporting & Auditing · Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, IRS, OSHA, and DOL requirements. · Own ACA compliance and monitoring, including monthly tracking and annual 1095‑C review and distribution. · Manage ADP file feed monitoring, troubleshooting, and vendor escalations. · Oversee all annualized filings including Form 5500s, pension reports, and nondiscrimination testing. · Handle IRS follow-ups and inquiries. · Maintain HRIS and payroll data integrity through regular audits. · Support Workers’ Compensation audits, pension audits, and 401(k) audits. · Maintain NY Youth Action and other compliance reporting as required. · Manage WOTC filing, processing, and reporting. Systems & Process Optimization · Administer HRIS and payroll systems including reporting, setup, and configuration changes. · Identify opportunities to automate processes and strengthen internal controls. · Lead or assist with system transitions, upgrades, and new implementations. · Manage HR technology maintenance, billing reconciliation, and employee system setups (cell phones, laptops, and other tech as assigned, etc.). · Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within HR and Finance. Additional Responsibilities This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The Payroll & Benefits Manager may be required to perform other related duties based on the ongoing needs of the business. Performance Metrics · Payroll accuracy and timeliness. · Benefit enrollment and deduction accuracy. · ACA and regulatory compliance. · Leave management responsiveness and accuracy. · Clean, error‑free system data and reporting. · Successful completion of annual filings and audits. · Improved processes, automation, and cycle time reductions. Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, or related field preferred. · 3–5 years of payroll and benefits experience; multi-entity experience preferred. · Bilingual (English/Spanish) required, with the ability to support non-Spanish speaking HR staff during employee conversations. · Strong knowledge of payroll laws, benefit regulations, and compliance (ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA). · Experience with ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred. · Strong Excel skills and ability to analyze data. · Exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and follow-through. · Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. · Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. · Proven track record of improving processes and building stronger systems. · Prior experience in hospitality, food service, and/or warehouse settings is a plus, but not required. Work Conditions · Hybrid schedule: 3 days remote, 2 days on-site (Manhattan, and Bronx occasionally). There will be weeks were additional on-site is required. Flexibility is key. · Full-time, exempt role aligned with normal business hours, with flexibility during payroll deadlines, Open Enrollment, or audits. · Fast-paced environment requiring adaptability, multitasking, and strong problem-solving. · Regular use of computers, HRIS systems, reporting tools, and communication platforms. Compensation and Benefits · $85,000 - $90,000 annual salary · Up to 20 days of Paid Personal Time Off annually, increases to 25 after 1st year · Up to 56 hours of Paid Sick Time annually · Company sponsored comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance · 401k Plan with Company Match · Company Sponsored Life Insurance Policy · Commuter Benefits Program · Employee Assistance Program with access to free counseling/ coaching · Employee discounts and in-office meal perks · Annual performance and compensation review LP Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.