Human Resources Specialist

Buffalo Games, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 56,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Buffalo Games is seeking an enthusiastic HR Specialist to join our team in Buffalo, NY. This early-career role supports the HR function across recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and employee engagement, partnering with managers and staff to foster a positive workplace.

The successful candidate will handle HR administration, maintain records, and assist with performance processes while learning across multiple HR areas in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of HR experience, recruiting, onboarding or related field preferred.
• Experience with ADP or similar HRIS/payroll is a plus; willingness to learn.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment and talent acquisition processes (post jobs, review resumes, schedule interviews, communicate with candidates).
• Coordinate onboarding and HR administration (paperwork, orientations, HRIS records, promotions/transfers).
• Support employee engagement, culture initiatives, and company events to improve morale and retention.
• Assist payroll and HR support tasks (timekeeping, benefits questions, confidential data handling).

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Confidential data handling

Problem-solving

Self-motivation

Teamwork

Education

Associate/Bachelor's in HR or Business

HR certification preferred

Tools

ADP/HRIS payroll

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

Buffalo Games is a design-forward company dedicated to “making life more fun and rewarding” through award-winning party games and high-quality jigsaw puzzles. The company designs, manufactures, and markets its products from a self-owned and operated plant in Buffalo, NY. Buffalo Games emphasizes craftsmanship and rigorous quality standards in all aspects of production. Team members contribute to creating engaging, reliable products that consumers trust and enjoy. The culture values creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional consumer experience.

Salary starting at $27/hr

About Buffalo Games:

Buffalo Games is an award-winning toy company specializing in Jigsaw Puzzles, Board Games, and Preschool Learning.While our supply chain extends globally, we take great pride in our puzzles manufacturing, which are exceptionally designed & produced in a self-owned and operated facility in Buffalo, NY.We partner with the very best retailers, inventors, and licensors, making us not just a category leader but among the fastest growing toy companies in the industry today.Our wholly owned subsidiaries include puzzle and games company Ceaco, Inc. and puzzle manufacturer Edaron, LLC, both located in Massachusetts as well as EastPoint Sports located in New Jersey.

Position Summary:

Buffalo Games is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and people-oriented Human Resources Specialist to join our growing team! This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career HR professional who enjoys working with people, is detail-oriented, and is eager to expand their knowledge and experience in Human Resources.

The Human Resources Specialist will support day-to-day HR functions across Buffalo Games and its affiliated companies, including recruiting, onboarding, employee engagement, HR administration, and payroll support. This individual will work closely with the HR team, hiring managers, and employees to help create a positive employee experience while ensuring HR processes run smoothly and efficiently.

The ideal candidate is a motivated team player with strong communication and organizational skills, a willingness to learn, and a passion for helping others. This position offers the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in multiple areas of Human Resources while growing professionally within a fast‑paced and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

• Assist with the full recruitment process, including posting job openings, reviewing resumes, scheduling interviews, and communicating with candidates.
• Conduct initial phone screenings to assess candidate qualifications and interest in available positions.
• Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and assist with updating job descriptions.
• Maintain accurate applicant records and track candidates throughout the hiring process.
• Help identify new recruiting resources and opportunities to attract qualified candidates.
• Provide a positive and professional candidate experience throughout the recruitment process.
• Assist with maintaining recruiting reports and tracking hiring activity.

Employee Onboarding & HR Administration

• Coordinate the new hire onboarding process, including preparing paperwork, scheduling orientations, and ensuring required documentation is completed.
• Assist with new hire orientation and introduce employees to company policies, benefits, and workplace expectations.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel records and HRIS information.
• Support employee status changes, including promotions, transfers, and terminations.
• Assist with coordinating employee training programs and tracking completion of required training.
• Help administer the annual performance review process, including tracking deadlines and maintaining documentation.
• Prepare and distribute employee communications, announcements, and HR-related materials.
• Respond to general employee HR questions and direct more complex matters to the appropriate HR team member.

Employee Engagement & Company Culture

• Assist with planning and coordinating employee engagement activities, recognition programs, and company events.
• Support initiatives that promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace.
• Help develop creative ideas to improve employee morale and the overall employee experience.
• Gather employee feedback and assist with identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Work with the HR team to support employee retention and company culture initiatives.

Payroll & HR Support

• Assist with maintaining accurate employee information in ADP or a similar HRIS/payroll system.
• Serve as a backup for payroll processing as needed, with appropriate training and guidance.
• Assist with reviewing timekeeping records and resolving basic discrepancies.
• Support benefits administration, including new hire enrollments, employee changes, and general benefits questions.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information and payroll records.
• Assist with other HR projects and administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent work experience will also be considered.
• HR certification is a plus but not required.

Experience

• 1–3 years of experience in Human Resources, recruiting, administrative support, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience with ADP or a similar HRIS/payroll system is a plus; willingness to learn is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Previous experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, or employee engagement activities is preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a friendly, professional approach.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Comfortable working with employees and managers at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and willingness to ask questions and learn.
• Self‑motivated, dependable, and eager to take on new responsibilities.
• Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in building a long‑term career in Human Resources.

Why Join Buffalo Games?

Buffalo Games is a respected leader in the Puzzles & Games industry, offering an exciting and collaborative work environment where employees can learn, contribute, and grow.

This position provides an excellent opportunity to develop a well‑rounded foundation in Human Resources while gaining experience in recruiting, employee relations, onboarding, benefits, and payroll.

We offer a competitive compensation package, performance‑based bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits program.

• 401(k) with company matching
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth

Buffalo Games provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.