HR Generalist/Payroll Specialist

Oxbo, Forage Division; Marshfield (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxbo, Forage Division in the United States is seeking a hands-on Human Resources Generalist/Payroll Specialist. The role combines core HR responsibilities with payroll duties as the company evolves under private-equity-backed ownership while preserving its family-owned culture.

Collaborate with the HR Manager and leaders to recruit, onboard, develop, and retain employees, while strengthening HR processes, reporting, and compliance with employment laws across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, HR management, or related field.
• 2–3 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of HR & payroll laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle recruiting: job descriptions, postings, ATS, interviews, offers, onboarding.
• Administer benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment, COBRA, and FMLA.
• Coordinate employee evaluations and compensation increases.
• Assist with year-end testing, 5500, 401(k) audits, and profit sharing calculations.
• Maintain HRIS data accuracy and confidentiality.
• Generate HR metrics: turnover, headcount, absenteeism, retention, recruitment effectiveness.
• Guide managers on employee relations and investigations.
• Support employee engagement, recognition, retention, and culture initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Draft division policies aligned with company objectives and legal requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Team collaboration

Strategic thinking

Decision making

Adaptability

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or HR

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

Principle Duties and Areas of Responsibility:

We are seeking a hands‑on, adaptable Human Resources Generalist/Payroll Specialist who is excited to take ownership of core HR and payroll responsibilities while helping shape the future of our organization. This is a unique opportunity to join the company during an important period of evolution as we build on the strengths of our long‑standing family‑owned culture while continuing our transition to the structure, accountability, and operational discipline of private‑equity‑backed ownership.

Working closely with the Human Resources Manager and leaders across the organization, this role will have the opportunity to influence how we recruit, onboard, support, develop, and retain our employees while helping strengthen HR processes, systems, reporting, and best practices. The right candidate will enjoy balancing the day‑to‑day details of payroll and HR administration with the opportunity to improve processes, solve problems, and contribute to broader organizational initiatives.

Human Resources Generalist:

• Manage full-cycle recruiting activities, including job description development, recruitment campaigns, applicant tracking, interview coordination, background and pre-employment screenings, employment offers, and onboarding activities.
• Assist with administration of employee benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment claims, COBRA, and FMLA
• Facilitate employee evaluations and compensation increase procedures.
• Oversee preparation of year-end non-discrimination testing, 5500 completion, annual 401(k) audit, and profit sharing & match calculation and verification
• Maintain and administer HRIS Systems, ensuring employee data accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality
• Generate and analyze HR metrics and reports, including but not limited to turnover, headcount, absenteeism, retention, and recruitment effectiveness
• Partner with managers to address employee relations matters, provide guidance on performance and conduct issues, assist with investigations, and recommend appropriate corrective actions consistent with company policies and employment laws.
• Assist with employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, retention strategies, and organizational culture development.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Assist with the development of division level policies, procedures, and best practices in accordance with company objectives and federal and state legal requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Payroll Specialist:

• Process bi-weekly payroll, audit timekeeping records, and ensure accurate earnings, deductions, taxes, and garnishments in compliance with applicable laws and company policies.
• Maintain payroll system and employee records to ensure payroll and required reporting is processed timely and accurately
• Calculate monthly salesman commission and quarterly KPI bonus eligibility
• Complete monthly payroll journal entries, process benefit payments, and reconciliation of payroll and benefit general ledger accounts in adherence to the monthly close schedule.
• Responds to routine inquiries concerning payroll deductions and accruals, wage garnishments, child support payments, and employment verifications
• Assists with related special projects as required

Requirements

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Commitment to excellence and high standards
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees
• Strategic thinker who can see long‑term goals and balance against short and intermediate term needs
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds
• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions
• Creative, flexible, and innovative team player

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Human Resources Management, or related field, two to three years related experience, or equivalent combination of education, certifications, and experience
• Working knowledge of HR & payroll laws and regulations.
• Broad based tactical HR experience in areas such as benefits, compensation, employee relations, performance management, workforce planning and recruitment. Experience with strategic management and training and development a plus.
• Knowledge of Paylocity preferred