Job Description: Compensation and Benefits HR Specialist
Location: 454 20th Street, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $72,000-$95,000/year
Position Overview:
The Compensation & Benefits HR Specialist is responsible for designing, administering, and continuously improving the company's compensation structures and employee benefits programs. Operating in a fast-paced industrial environment with a large hourly workforce, this role ensures that pay practices are competitive, equitable, and compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Key Responsibilities:
Compensation Administration

Process weekly payroll accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with company policies and payroll regulations.
Generate and analyze payroll reports, including wage summaries, overtime reports, deductions, and year-end payroll data for management review and auditing purposes.

Administer and maintain the company's compensation programs, including hourly wage scales, shift differentials, overtime structures, and salaried pay grades

Conduct regular market pricing and salary benchmarking surveys to ensure the company remains competitive in attracting and retaining production and administrative talent

Partner with HR team and Plant Managers to develop and recommend pay adjustments, merit increase guidelines, and incentive or bonus structures

Evaluate new and existing positions using job analysis and grading methodologies to ensure internal pay equity

Maintain and update compensation-related policies and procedures in accordance with FLSA, DOL, and applicable state wage and hour laws

Benefits Administration

Administer the company's full suite of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k), and workers' compensation

Serve as the primary liaison with benefits brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators to resolve coverage issues and negotiate plan terms

Lead the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system updates, and carrier coordination

Manage qualifying life event changes, COBRA administration, and leave of absence programs including FMLA and state-mandated leave

Monitor benefits utilization, claims trends, and plan costs, providing regular reports and recommendations to CFO and COOs

Ensure ACA compliance, including tracking, reporting, and 1094-C/1095-C filing requirements

Compliance & Reporting

Ensure all compensation and benefits programs comply with ERISA, ACA, FLSA, EEOC, and applicable state and local regulations

Prepare and present compensation and benefits data reports to senior management, including cost analysis, turnover impact, and program effectiveness

Support internal and external audits related to compensation practices and benefits plans

Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS system for all compensation and benefits data

Employee Support & Communication

Serve as a knowledgeable resource for employees regarding pay, benefits enrollment, claims issues, and coverage questions

Develop and deliver clear employee communications on compensation policies and benefits programs, with sensitivity to a diverse, multilingual workforce

Conduct new hire orientations covering total compensation and benefits enrollment

Partner with Payroll to ensure seamless integration of benefits deductions, compensation changes, and leave pay

Qualifications & Requirements

Experience: 4–6 years of progressive experience in compensation and/or benefits administration; manufacturing or food processing experience strongly preferred

Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of FLSA, ERISA, ACA, FMLA, COBRA, and relevant state labor laws

Technical Skills

Proficient Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data modeling)

Experience with benefits administration platforms and compensation benchmarking tools

Comprehensive Benefits: Comprehensive insurance benefits, including medical, dental, vision, ensuring financial security and well-being for employees and their families
Time-off: Competitive time off including sick leave and site closures for selected holidays
Corporate Discounts: Get discounts on travel, subscriptions and more!
About Us:
Wonder Meats Inc. has been family owned and operated since 1971. Since then, we’ve honed our craft to become a leading manufacturer of quality meat products. We are now on our third generation of leadership and continue to operate based on the same core values of our founder – Quality, Consistency, and Dedication. Ready to join the team? Contact us now!

Compensation and Benefits Specialist

Benefits

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