HR Generalist

Illumination; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Illumination is seeking an experienced HR Generalist to manage payroll, benefits, and compliance while improving HR operations. This role requires over 5 years in HR or payroll, with expertise in California employment laws. The position includes overseeing onboarding processes and managing sensitive employee information.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized and possess excellent communication skills, making a positive impact on employee experiences. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in HR generalist, payroll, and/or benefits administration.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and California employment laws.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Manage biweekly payroll processing.
• Administer employee benefits programs.
• Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes.

Skills

HR Generalist experience

Payroll processing

Compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

SHRM-CP or PHR certification

Tools

UKG Pro

Job description

Illumination is seeking a detail‑oriented and experienced HR Generalist. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our people operations team, overseeing payroll, benefits, HRIS management (UKG Pro), employee leaves, compliance, and the day‑to‑day HR experience that keeps our studio running smoothly. We are looking for someone who is highly organized, well‑versed in employment laws, and genuinely passionate about creating a thoughtful, seamless employee experience. If you find joy in supporting others, streamlining processes, and helping people do their best work, this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

• Own and manage biweekly payroll processing, partnering with Payroll to ensure accuracy; audit payroll data, verify timesheets, wage calculations, deductions, and withholdings, and resolve discrepancies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for any employee related inquiries.
• Administer and maintain the HRIS (UKG Pro), ensuring accuracy of company and employee data, process workflows, automated file feeds, end‑of‑year processes; liaise with UKG consultants as needed to troubleshoot issues and implement system enhancements.
• Administer employee benefits programs, including new hire enrollments, life events, and open enrollment; coordinate employee education sessions. Work closely with Benefit Brokers and UKG Pro for new benefit implementations and enrollment configurations.
• Manage employee leaves of absence, including CFRA, FMLA, PDL, PFL, ADA accommodations, and workers’ compensation, ensuring full compliance with federal and California regulations. Knowledge in New York and Connecticut leave law is a plus.
• Maintain and update the Employee Handbook to ensure alignment with current laws, regulations, and business practices.
• Ensure the company’s required Compliance: Maintain accurate and compliant personnel files, training records, and employment documentation.
• Proactively monitor changes in federal, state, and local employment laws (with an emphasis on California) and support the implementation of compliant policies and practices.
• Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes, including new hire documentation, I‑9 compliance, benefits enrollment, final pay coordination, and exit interviews.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR operations, documentation, and standard operating procedures using HR best practices.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support evolving business priorities.

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years of experience in HR generalist, payroll, and/or benefits administration roles.
• Hands‑on experience with HRIS platforms, preferably UKG Pro.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and California employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, leaves of absence, and workplace accommodations.
• Experience supporting payroll and HR operations for a small California‑based workforce.
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Proactive, solutions‑oriented, and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong decision‑making, problem‑solving, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM‑CP or PHR certification.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business, or a related field.
• Knowledge of California, New York, and Connecticut employment laws.

Base Salary Range: $80,000–$95,000 per year. Compensation and benefits will be based on experience, qualifications, skills, and training. The comprehensive and competitive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families, 401(k), paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other perks.

Illumination’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Illumination will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.