Director of People and Culture Operations: Payroll/Benefits/HRIS/Shared Services

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in bio-based products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and benefits including;

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses, and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
• Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Excellent work-life balance with a ‘family-first’ culture
• Discounted home and auto insurance

JOB SUMMARY

This role leads POET’s payroll, benefits, HRIS, compensation process, compliance, and shared services functions to make this all happen. POET prides itself on creating a family-like world-class team member experience. As the Director of People and Culture Operations, you will lead a team of people dedicated to making the moments that matter to our team members memorable and exciting. This role starts every day thinking about how they can improve the experience journey, make our team more effective and efficient, and make POET a most attractive place to work.

AREAS OF FOCUS IN HR: This role leads POET’s payroll, benefits, HRIS, compensation process, compliance, and shared services functions to make this all happen.

WORK LOCATION: This role would be onsite as it’s a leadership role on the People & Culture Leadership Team at POET Headquarters.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

• Direct, develop, and coach team members to high performance and reaching their full potential.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive HR operations strategy that supports POET’s overall business strategy. Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve HR processes, workflows, policies, and systems to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and team member experience. Implement tools and technologies to automate and standardize HR processes where applicable.
• Oversee the selection, implementation, and maintenance of HR information systems, including HRIS, payroll, timekeeping, compensation, and other related systems. Continuously evaluate and enhance system capabilities to streamline HR processes and improve data accuracy and reporting.
• Work closely with other leaders to ensure that the HRIS system is fully integrated with other HR programs, including talent acquisition, learning management, and compensation.
• Manage the implementation of new HRIS modules and upgrades, including the design and testing of new functionality, data conversions, and system integrations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws, regulations, and internal policies. Develop, review, and update HR policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and alignment with industry best practices.
• Reviewing and analyzing business metrics including data on retention and team member experience to recommend systemic improvements.
• Oversee a competitive total rewards program to attract and retain highly motivated people. Ensure the benefits program is well communicated to current and prospective team members.
• Ensure that our base compensation and incentive programs are market competitive and aligned with business strategies.
• Oversee activities of payroll to ensure accurate and timely payment, taxes, and reporting. Ensure compliance with payroll laws and regulations at the local, state, and federal level. Serves as POET’s payroll liaison for external requests as well as internal stakeholders.
• Manage Shared Services by establishing, communicating, and monitoring customer service processes. Evaluate efficiency of internal Shared Services processes and make suggested improvements based on data. Ensure Personnel Records are accurate and current. Manage workflow, work schedules, and assignments to ensure efficient operation and a high-quality team member experience.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with HR policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Partner with internal and external stakeholders to address and resolve any compliance issues or discrepancies.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, Psychology, or another related field.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP (preferred) certified. Certified Payroll Professional (preferred).
• You have 10+ years of experience, including leading payroll, benefits, and other HR professionals. It is strongly preferred that have led an HR Shared Services function.
• You have broad knowledge of HR policies, practices, disciplines, and the full employee lifecycle.
• You have extensive knowledge of an HRIS (UKG or Workday preferred).
• You are highly self-aware and are well-adjusted, you have command over intense situations.
• You have grit and resilience, the ability to persevere and rally teams to achieve extraordinary results.
• You are a change agent, you can anticipate, mobilize, and lead through change.
• You have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, that appeal to a wide range of audiences, from the front line to executives.
• You develop team members by encouraging individual initiative to achieve personal and organizational goals.
• You can manage conflict for positive outcomes and are able to navigate ambiguous situations.
• You are adaptable and open-minded to flourish in an entrepreneurial environment.
• You are dedicated to honesty, confidentiality, and ethical behavior in all business matters and assignments.
• You have a demonstrated ability to analyze data and make data-based decisions to improve HR outcomes. You consistently deliver distinctive value for your customers.
• You are curious with a passion to learn and change the world – Never Satisfied.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN POET

At POET we believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• At POET we believe in the power of human connection, this role is most effective in the community at the office.
• Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET.
• Up to 10% travel will be part of the norm for this position. At times overnight travel may be required.
• This position operates in an office environment working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand.

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POET