HR Specialist (Payroll & Benefits in Wilmington, North Carolina at Parkway of Wilmington

Wilmington Auto Group

HR Specialist (Payroll & Benefits)

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: HR & Safety Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Direct Reports: None

The HR Specialist (Payroll & Benefits) is a key member of Wilmington Auto Group's Human Resources team, responsible for supporting payroll administration, benefits management, HR systems, and employee support. Reporting to the HR & Safety Manager, this role ensures accurate payroll processing, effective benefits administration, compliance with HR processes, and a positive employee experience.

The HR Specialist serves as a trusted resource for employees and managers, providing timely support on payroll, benefits, HR policies, and employee programs while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy in all aspects of HR operations.

Payroll & HR Operations

• Process and support accurate and timely payroll administration for hourly, commission and salaried employees.
• Review and maintain timekeeping records, payroll changes, deductions, and employee information.
• Process employee updates including new hires, status changes, promotions, transfers, and terminations.
• Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate payroll and employee records while supporting payroll reporting and audits.
• Partner with the HR & Safety Manager to ensure compliance with payroll practices and applicable regulations.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, and other company-sponsored programs.
• Support employee enrollment, benefit changes, and employee questions.
• Partner with benefit providers and vendors to resolve issues and ensure effective service delivery.
• Support annual open enrollment activities and benefits communications.
• Maintain accurate benefits records and documentation.

HR Support & Employee Experience

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee questions related to payroll, benefits, and HR processes.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data.
• Support onboarding and offboarding processes, including documentation and system updates.
• Assist with HR compliance activities, employee file audits, and recordkeeping.
• Support leave administration processes and other HR programs as needed.
• Prepare HR reports and support HR projects and process improvements.

HRIS & Compliance Support

• Maintain employee data accuracy within HRIS and payroll systems.
• Support system updates, reporting, and workflow improvements.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information, including payroll, compensation, and benefits data.
• Support compliance requirements including I-9 documentation and HR recordkeeping.

Payroll and benefits administration; HRIS data management; attention to detail; employee support and customer service; confidentiality and integrity; organization and prioritization; problem solving; communication; continuous improvement.

Required

• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3+ years of experience in payroll, benefits administration, HR operations, or a related HR role.
• Experience supporting payroll processes and maintaining accurate employee records.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong math skills with a general understanding of accounting.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information.
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll systems and Microsoft Excel.

Preferred

• Experience with Paylocity HRIS/payroll system preferred.
• Experience supporting hourly and salaried employees in automotive, retail, manufacturing, or other operational environments.
• Experience with benefits administration, open enrollment, and HR reporting.
• Knowledge of payroll compliance, wage and hour practices, and HR recordkeeping requirements.

Primarily office-based, with regular time on the dealership floor and in the service department to support safety audits, investigations, and employee interactions. Some travel between locations may be required, along with occasional evening or weekend availability for employee relations matters or incident response.

Within the first year, the successful candidate will have built strong, trusted partnerships with leaders and employees, strengthened HR processes, compliance, and the overall employee experience, made measurable progress on retention, engagement, and organizational effectiveness, and established a visible culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

At Wilmington Auto Group, our employees are the foundation of our success. This role provides the opportunity to support employees throughout their employment journey, strengthen HR operations, and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

Wilmington Auto Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.