People Operations Lead

People Operations Lead

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 doubledigit 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

• Lead bi-weekly payroll processing 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.
• Oversee payroll-related processes including time and attendance review, overtime calculations, shift differentials, bonus payments, retroactive adjustments, and payroll corrections.
• Ensure compliance with Washington state requirements for pay statements, final paychecks, wage payment timelines and payroll recordkeeping.
• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Partner with Finance on payroll accounting reconciliation, garnishments, tax reporting and audit support.
• Identify and implement payroll process improvements to increase efficiency, consistency, and compliance.

Benefits Administration

• Lead administration of employee benefits programs including medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other company-sponsored benefits.
• Conduct new hire benefits orientations and coordinate annual open enrollment processes.
• Serve as primary liaison between employees, insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• 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

• Partner closely with HR leadership to strengthen payroll, benefits, and HR systems processes.
• Provide technical guidance and training to HR team members on payroll, benefits, HRIS workflows and compliance practices.
• Serve as escalation point for complex payroll, benefits and system-related issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that support operational efficiency and long-term scalability within the HR function.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years payroll, benefits and HRIS experience.
• Advanced experience with ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, benefits administration, and HR data integrity.
• Manufacturing or multi-shift operational environment experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and process improvement skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting related field or equivalent education & experience.

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