Human Resources / Payroll Manager

Job Description: Icon Media Direct, an entrepreneurial marketing analytics/media buying company in the San Fernando Valley is seeking an experienced Human Resources \& Payroll Manager to lead core people operations in a hybrid, fast‑paced environment. In this role, you will balance HR initiatives with hands‑on payroll and day‑to‑day employee support, serving as a trusted \& reliable resource to our managers and team members. About the Company: This is a workplace that emphasizes authenticity, ownership, and true partnership. Team members are invested in collective success, step in to help each other, and stay with projects until the work is genuinely complete. People who flourish here are steady, solutions\-focused, and take real pride in producing high\-quality work alongside colleagues they respect. Essential Duties \& Responsibilities (include but not limited to): Human Resources Partner with managers/executives to communicate and implement HR programs and initiatives. Provide employee support and mentoring while serving as a trusted, confidential, and objective resource for employees. Conduct and oversee new hire onboarding and orientation programs. Conduct exit interviews and provide feedback to leadership on employee experience and retention opportunities. Provide guidance to managers on performance management, employee relations, career development, and corrective actions. Oversee the performance review program. Manage and resolve employee relations issues, including investigations into complaints and workplace concerns, ensuring fair and timely resolution. Payroll and Benefits Process payroll and all activities related to payroll, including new hire onboarding, terminations, employee status changes, benefit changes, and field employee questions related to payroll. Align costs and deductions from benefits portal, Ease, to payroll portal, Paylocity. Administer employee benefits programs, including annual open enrollment, new hire enrollment, changes, claims resolution, and vendor evaluations to ensure competitiveness and cost\-effectiveness. Continue good working relationship with brokers and carriers. Reconcile carrier invoices on a timely basis and coordinate approvals with Finance. Track changes in employee benefits due to billing timing. Compliance and Leaves Ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, HIPAA, and applicable federal, state, and provincial regulations related to Human Resources, Payroll and Employee Benefits. Maintain up\-to\-date knowledge of HR trends and best practices. Administer protected leave programs (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, PFL) to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Coordinate all phases of employee leaves of absence, including employee communication, benefits coordination (FMLA, CFRA/PDL, PFL, sick time, and personal/vacation), required notifications, benefit payments, impact on employment status. Facilitate outreach with employment attorneys, CEO, and SVP Finance as needed. Partner with IT and office management to ensure consistency of employee processes across departments. Administration and Events Update, recommend, and administer HR policies, employee handbooks, and workplace safety practices. Analyze HR metrics and organizational data to identify trends, improve retention, and support business decision\-making. Oversee employee engagement initiatives. Lead or coordinate company events such as open enrollment, employee meetings, workshops, and health fairs. Partner with the executive team to coordinate employee events, lunch and learns, and other engagement activities that support company culture and employee experience. Assist Executive Assistant and IT with office management, ordering/filling snack stations, and opening/closing of offices. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; HR certification (PHR/SPHR) strongly preferred. 5\+ years of progressive HR/Payroll experience. Positive, adaptable, and resourceful with a commitment to nurturing an engaged, high\-performing workforce. In\-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR best practices. Proven track record of successfully recruiting talent at all levels, effectively managing employee relations, and overseeing comprehensive benefits administration. Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, influence, and support managers and employees at all levels. Current on HR industry trends, compliance requirements, and professional development through training, publications, and networking. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism. Strong analytical skills with experience using HRIS systems and metrics to inform decisions. Proven ability to work in a fast\-paced, hands\-on environment. High ethical standards, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and diplomacy at all times. Experience with Payroll/HRIS softwares (working knowledge of Paylocity and Ease are a plus) Other Considerations: Salary based on skills and experience. This a full\-time position with a hybrid schedule, with a minimum of 3 days in office each week Employment offers are contingent on background check and reference verification. Equal Opportunity Employer. Pay: $70,000\.00 \- $90,000\.00 per year Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sherman Oaks, CA 91411