Job Location: St.Cloud

• Location: St Cloud, Minnesota
• Type: Direct Hire
• Job #48885
• Salary: 85000 - 100000 Per Year

SkyWater Search is excited to be partnering with a leading, growing electrical services provider as they hire for a newly-created HR leadership position due to organizational growth.  Please apply to this position directly, or reach

The HR & Payroll Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all human resources and payroll functions. This includes recruiting, employee relations, benefits administration, compensation, performance management, policy development, compliance, and training for both union and non-union employees. This role ensures the integrity and confidentiality of all personnel and payroll data and supports organizational goals through people-centered initiatives. This position also plays a key role in supporting the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and internal audits.

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Key Competencies:

• Expertise in HR and Payroll management across multi-state environments

• Effective, results-driven leadership

• In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws

• Strategic thinker with strong project execution skills

• Ability to forecast HR needs based on data and organizational goals

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Core Responsibilities:

Payroll Management

• Process accurate and timely payroll for union and non-union employees in accordance with federal/state laws and CBAs.

• Maintain employee records, manage changes, tax info, and terminations.

• Resolve payroll discrepancies and serve as the main point of contact for payroll-related inquiries.

• Prepare and distribute recurring payroll reports including PTO balances, earnings, and union wage data.

• Partner with HR and management to ensure proper documentation and compliance.

Human Resources Operations

Recruitment

• Lead talent acquisition strategies in collaboration with department heads and marketing.

• Forecast hiring needs and manage recruiting platforms, job boards, and ATS tools.

• Support orientation and onboarding processes.

HRIS Management

• Maintain HR systems and records in compliance with legal requirements.

• Serve as the point of contact for HRIS/PEO software and train users accordingly.

Compensation & Benefits

• Conduct salary market analysis and develop competitive compensation structures.

• Oversee benefits administration including health, dental, vision, and 401(k).

• Evaluate and recommend cost-effective benefit options.

Policy Development & Strategy

• Develop and implement HR policies aligned with strategic objectives and compliance standards.

• Monitor and apply changes in employment law across multiple states.

• Lead cross-functional HR projects and provide data-driven insights for decision-making.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure legal compliance with FMLA, ADA, FLSA, COBRA, ERISA, and more.

• Manage EEO reporting, unemployment claims, and labor audits.

• Prepare HR reports and present insights to executive leadership.

Employee Relations

• Conduct investigations and resolve employee concerns in alignment with company policies.

• Advise managers on employee conflict resolution and progressive discipline procedures.

Training & Development

• Design and implement training programs to support employee performance and retention.

• Advise leadership on development plans and performance metrics.

Performance Management

• Manage the performance review cycle and performance management systems.

• Support goal-setting and track KPIs to measure HR effectiveness.

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Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in ISO 9001 quality audits and process improvement initiatives.

• Remain available during off-hours for emergent HR/payroll needs as required.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field (Master’s or SPHR preferred)

• 5+ years HR generalist experience; 3+ years payroll processing; union experience preferred

• Experience with multi-state employment law and HRIS/PEO platforms (e.g., BambooHR, Vensure)

• Strong understanding of compliance requirements (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, etc.)

• Demonstrated ability to develop and enforce policies, manage HR strategy, and lead investigations

• Excellent communication, organization, and project management skills

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Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged sitting/standing; frequent typing and computer use

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs (occasionally more with assistance)

• Must pass pre-employment drug screening and physical exam

• Ability to work under occasional stress and maintain confidentiality