Payroll & Benefits HR Generalist (Manufacturing)

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing values its employee-owners and operates a Plant in Walker, MI, seeking a detail-oriented HR Generalist to oversee weekly payroll processing, timekeeping, audits, garnishments, and leave administration while supporting broader HR functions. The role requires strong organizational and communication skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate balances employee support with compliance, confidentiality, and operational efficiency, and will collaborate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration, accounting or related field.
• 2+ years HR and/or payroll administration experience.
• Experience processing high-volume hourly payroll.
• Experience with HRIS/HCM systems; Workday preferred.
• PHR certification preferred.
• Union relations experience preferred (UAW).
• Previous automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with confidentiality and accuracy in payroll processing.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for hourly employees, including reviewing and auditing timecards, resolving discrepancies, ensuring approvals are completed, and validating payroll accuracy prior to submission.
• Administer and maintain employee timekeeping records, attendance tracking, and payroll-related data integrity
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee pay concerns, missed punches, shift differentials, and overtime issues in a timely manner
• Manage payroll garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other wage attachments while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Coordinate leave administration processes, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers’ compensation, personal leaves, and return-to-work communication with employees and leaders
• Serve as a key point of contact for employee payroll and leave-related questions and communications
• Support payroll audits, reporting, reconciliations, and compliance activities to ensure accurate payroll processing and recordkeeping
• Maintain employee and applicant records in HRIS/HCM systems in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, and new hire processing activities
• Support employee relations activities including investigations, disciplinary actions, coaching conversations, and documentation
• Coach and guide supervisors and managers on employee relations matters, attendance concerns, and policy interpretation
• Assist with recruiting activities as needed, including reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and onboarding new employees
• Monitor attendance, tardiness, and absenteeism reporting and ensure appropriate documentation and follow-up actions are completed
• Support employee benefits administration including enrollments, changes, open enrollment communication, and employee education
• Maintain and support employee recognition and engagement programs
• Cross-train and support additional HR functions as business needs evolve

Skills

Payroll admin

HRIS/HCM systems

Workday experience

Payroll audits

Employee relations

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/related field

PHR certification preferred

Union relations experience preferred (UAW)

Tools

Workday HRIS

Timekeeping systems

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing values its employee-owners and operates a Plant in Walker, MI, seeking a detail-oriented HR Generalist to oversee weekly payroll processing, timekeeping, audits, garnishments, and leave administration while supporting broader HR functions. The role requires strong organizational and communication skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate balances employee support with compliance, confidentiality, and operational efficiency, and will collaborate