Payroll and Compliance Specialist

Company Description :

The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) is a next-generation sawmill operator focused on sustainable manufacturing of dimensional wood products. TLM is in the process of designing a state-of-the-art sawmill optimal for producing high-grade dimensional products, with a focus on simplicity and fast construction.

Overview :

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on Payroll and Compliance Specialist to lead our payroll operations, benefits management and ensure full compliance across multi-state employment regulations. This role will oversee payroll processing, state filings and registrations, workers’ compensation, leave and benefits management, while partnering closely teams across the organization and with external vendors.

This role reports directly to the Head of People and Chief of Staff, Amanda Robles.

Key Responsibilities :

Payroll Management

Lead and manage end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state exempt and non-exempt employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.

Oversee payroll system administration and integrations with HRIS and accounting platforms.

Maintain Time and Attendance tracking

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.

Develop and implement time management and payroll policies and procedures to support scalability.

Lead payroll audits, internal reviews, and external agency requests; ensures audit-readiness of all documentation.

Reconcile payroll discrepancies and resolve complex employee pay or benefit-related issues with discretion and professionalism.

Compliance & State Filings

Manage all state tax registrations, filings, and renewals, including setup in new jurisdictions.

Monitor changes in employment law and tax regulations across states and ensure timely updates to internal processes.

Serve as the primary point of contact for audits and regulatory inquiries related to payroll and employment compliance.

Workers’ Compensation

Oversee workers’ compensation program, including claims management, reporting, and coordination with insurance carriers.

Ensure proper employee classification and coverage across all jurisdictions.

Partner with HR and Legal to resolve complex claims and mitigate risk.

Leave and Benefits Management

Ensure benefits programs comply with applicable laws including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA.

Support open enrollment and benefits administration, including enrollment activities, deduction setup, reconciliation, as well as employee and vendor communication.

Maintain documentation and reporting for benefits-related compliance requirements.

Manage leave policies and programs ensuring compliance with local, state and federal standards and regulations.

Leadership & Collaboration

Collaborate cross-functionally across the company and with external vendors to ensure alignment and efficiency.

Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation in payroll, benefits and compliance workflows.

Required Qualifications :

3+ years payroll management experience

3+ years benefits management experience, including retirement plans

3+ years leave and workers’ compensation management

Preferred Skills and Experience :

Experience with Rippling, ADP, Guideline, Human Interest or other 401k provider

3+ years experience with non-exempt time tracking and payroll management

Experience in manufacturing, warehousing or similar industry preferred

Position Details : Job Type : Full-time

Starting Salary : $ 100,000 per year

Work Location

This is an 80% in-office position. Employees are expected to be in the Seattle office 4 days a week. This position may occasionally require travel to sawmill sites around the country.

Health Benefits

The Lumber Manufactory offers a company group health plan with 100% employer paid premium for employees as well as their dependents. The group health plan includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance and short and long-term disability.

Paid Time Off

The Lumber Manufactory offers 9 company-paid holidays each year. In addition to company paid holidays, salaried employees are eligible for flexible time off, an unlimited paid time off plan covering vacation, sick and other leave. The Lumber Manufactory expects employees to take roughly 3 weeks of time off per year.