People Operations Manager at Firestone Pacific Foods LLC – Vancouver, Washington

People Operations Manager

About Firestone Pacific Foods

Firestone Pacific Foods (FPF) is a leading, efficient processor of frozen fruit with a strong market reputation for quality and food safety. The company maintains sales relationships with major U.S. and international food retailers and food-service providers. FPF is well positioned for high double digit annual growth in fast-expanding frozen fruit segments, including organic, private label, and blended berry products. Agriculture Capital Fund II, an impact investment fund, acquired FPF in 2019 as part of its strategy to build an efficient, vertically integrated supply chain of regeneratively grown organic blueberries to meet rising global demand.

Founded by the Firestone family in Vancouver, WA, in 1896, FPF today operates as a fully integrated grower and processor serving domestic and export markets. Fruit is harvested at peak ripeness, processed in a state-of-the-art facility, and packed for shipment—ensuring consistent quality from farm to freezer.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced People Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day human resources operational functions for our food processing/manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Human Resources, this role will serve as the primary point of contact for payroll, benefits, and HRIS administration, ensuring seamless execution of core HR processes while supporting our production workforce and maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll & Compensation

• Process bi-weekly/semi-monthly payroll for hourly and salaried employees using ADP Workforce Now, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including Washington state wage and hour laws.

• Manage payroll-related tasks including time and attendance review, overtime calculations, shift differentials, and bonus payments.

• Ensure compliance with Washington state requirements for pay statements, final paychecks, and wage payment timelines.

• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely manner.

• Coordinate with Finance on payroll accounting, garnishments, and tax filings.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other company-sponsored benefits.

• Conduct new hire benefits orientations and manage open enrollment processes.

• Serve as primary liaison between employees, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators.

• Process benefit changes, COBRA administration, and leave of absence coordination (FMLA, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave, workers' compensation, disability).

• Ensure compliance with ACA, ERISA, Washington state paid sick leave laws, and other benefits-related regulations.

• Reconcile benefits invoices in coordination with the Accounting/Finance team.

HRIS Management & Data Integrity

• Maintain and update ADP Workforce Now system, ensuring accuracy of employee records, organizational structure, and reporting data.

• Generate regular and ad-hoc reports for leadership on headcount, turnover, compensation, and other HR metrics.

• Audit HRIS data regularly to identify and correct discrepancies.

• Manage system upgrades, testing, and implementation of new ADP modules or features.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, related field or equivalent education & experience.

• 4-6 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2 years in a generalist or operations focused role.

• Hands-on experience processing payroll using ADP Workforce Now (required)

• Strong knowledge of benefits administration and employee leave management

• Demonstrated experience maintaining HRIS systems and ensuring data accuracy

• Understanding of HR compliance requirements including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and wage and

hour laws

• Knowledge of Washington state employment laws including wage payment requirements,

paid sick leave, Paid Family and Medical Leave program, and meal/rest break regulations

(required)

• Experience in manufacturing, food processing, or industrial environments preferred

• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred

Skills & Competencies

• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

• Service-oriented mindset with a commitment to supporting employees and managers

• Ability to stay current with changing federal and Washington state employment regulations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an office environment within a manufacturing facility

• Occasional walking through production areas (safety equipment provided)

• Standard office work including computer use and phone communication