ABOUT DELI STAR (WHO WE ARE)

Deli Star is a next-generation food manufacturing company reimagining what’s possible in protein innovation. Specializing in fresh, sous-vide cooked proteins and patented food safety technologies, we serve some of the most trusted brands and culinary teams across the U.S.
We’re not your typical manufacturer, we’re a mission-driven startup powered by entrepreneurial energy, scientific rigor, and a relentless drive to create a more nutritious, efficient, and sustainable food system. With a team of 157 employees, we are small enough to be nimble and innovative, yet established enough to make a lasting impact.
Deli Star is proud of our rapid growth, strong customer partnerships, and long-term vision to build a vertically integrated, tech-forward manufacturing platform.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of payroll and/or benefits administration experience.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment, payroll, and benefits laws (FLSA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.).
• Proficiency with payroll/HRIS systems (ADP or similar).
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Human Resources (MBA)
• Payroll or HR certification (CPP, PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS, CCP)
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Knowledge of multi-state payroll compliance.
• Experience with compensation analysis, benchmarking, or salary structure design.
• Familiarity with process improvement and HR system implementations.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for managing the company’s payroll operations, administering employee benefit plans, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. This role will partner closely with HR and Finance to maintain accuracy, integrity, and efficiency in all payroll and benefits functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and process biweekly payroll for ~157 employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with wage & hour laws.

• Maintain payroll records, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, garnishments, and deductions.

• Administer employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state payroll and benefits regulations (FLSA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, etc.).
• Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll and benefits accounts; prepare reports for audits, compliance filings, and leadership reviews.
• Oversee open enrollment processes, including communication, system updates, and coordination with benefits brokers and carriers.
• Serve as the primary contact for employees on payroll, benefits, and leave policy questions, providing clear guidance and support.
• Develop and update payroll and benefits policies, procedures, and documentation to align with legal and company standards.
• Prepare required filings and reports (ACA 1094/1095, EEO-1, retirement plan reporting, etc.).
• Monitor and audit payroll and benefit data to ensure integrity, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage workers’ compensation reporting in coordination with HR and Safety.
• Partner with HR leadership to support compensation analysis, including salary benchmarking, pay structure reviews, and internal equity assessments.
• Provide insights and reporting on labor costs, overtime trends, and benefit utilization to support budgeting and workforce planning.
• Collaborate on HRIS/payroll system enhancements, troubleshooting, and process improvements.
• Provide training and support to managers and employees on payroll, benefits, and compensation-related topics.
• Stay informed of changes in payroll, benefits, and compensation regulations, recommending updates to leadership as needed.