Payroll and Benefits Specialist - Farmer's Fridge : Job Details

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Farmer's Fridge makes fruits and vegetables accessible and approachable for everyone. We offer a variety of fresh, healthy, ready-to-eat meals and snacks through our fresh food vending machines, wholesale partners, and our office pantry solution — providing chef-curated meals to customers within seconds. Today, we operate a network of Fridges and partner with clients nationwide in high-foot-traffic areas, such as airports, hospitals, universities, and large office buildings — where there is limited accessibility to fresh, healthy, grab-n-go options.

We care deeply about what we're creating and aspire to make sure our customers feel that through every touchpoint. This shows up in many ways across the business. We are committed to prioritizing food safety, we are passionate about product quality, we value our employees, we champion the best idea no matter where it comes from, and we're committed to making an overall positive impact as we scale.

About this Role: As a Payroll and Benefits Specialist, you will play a critical role on the People Operations team, ensuring the seamless and compliant administration of payroll and benefits for a multi-state workforce. Your primary focus will be on the accurate and timely execution of payroll cycles and benefits programs, while also supporting key employee lifecycle processes—including onboarding, regulatory compliance, leaves of absence, and offboarding. You'll serve as a trusted partner to employees and cross-functional teams, helping deliver a positive and efficient employee experience at every stage.

What You'll Do...

• Process and reconcile bi-weekly, multi-state payroll, including final pay, bonuses, and off-cycle adjustments, ensuring adherence to all federal, state, and local laws.
• Maintain accurate employee records in HRIS and payroll systems; ensure data integrity through regular audits and reconciliations.
• Serve as a primary employee contact for payroll and benefits inquiries, troubleshooting issues with professionalism and a focus on service.
• Partner with the Senior Manager of Benefits & Compensation to administer employee benefit programs, including enrollments, changes, and open enrollment.
• Support end-to-end onboarding operations, including I-9 verification (E-Verify), background checks, system setup, new hire orientation logistics, and coordination with IT for equipment.
• Respond to employment verifications, wage garnishments, and unemployment claims, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
• Provide administrative support for the leave of absence (LOA) process, including document collection, status tracking, and return-to-work coordination.
• Monitor and research changes in payroll and benefit legislation; recommend and implement updates to maintain compliance.
• Generate and analyze payroll and benefits reports for auditing or compliance purposes.
• Collaborate with HR leadership and team members on cross-functional initiatives and provide support on projects as needed.

Who You Are...

• 2+ years of high-touch experience in HR, payroll, or benefits administration in a multi-state environment.
• Employee first mindset with empathy and professionalism when addressing employee needs.
• Experience working with HRIS and payroll platforms (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Workday, UKG, or similar).
• Working knowledge of FLSA, wage and hour laws, and payroll tax regulations.
• Familiarity with benefits regulations such as COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, and ERISA.
• Exposure to leave administration (FMLA, ADA, state-specific programs).
• Familiarity with E-Verify, I-9 compliance, and onboarding workflows.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets (vlookups, pivot tables, formulas).
• Strong problem-solving skills—can navigate ambiguity, investigate discrepancies, and drive resolutions.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and pivot in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal—able to explain payroll/benefits topics clearly to employees.

The base salary range for this role is $62,000-$70,000. The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements.

In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for company performance-based bonuses and equity.

We Provide a Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans available)
• 401(k) with immediate employer match vesting
• Paid time off (including vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
• Paid sabbatical after 5 years of service
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Benefits At Farmer's Fridge

In This Together - We stay connected, whether in person or virtually. We encourage business transparency through monthly town hall meetings and weekly financial updates. We set out to make the best product on the market, and we believe we've done it. We value your input in the new menu creation process. From regular tasting panels, where employees provide new menu feedback.

Happier Workdays - Each day at work should fill you with joy. We're a fun and passionate group, and we don't take ourselves too seriously. Bring your unique self to work, dress comfortably, and always feel free to share your thoughts and opinions. We encourage curiosity; there's no hierarchy here when we're all swapping ideas.

Never run on empty - Daily Farmer's Fridge meal and office snacks are just some of the offerings to make sure you aren't distracted by a growling stomach. Recharge with our paid sabbatical program after five years of service.

Innovate & Elevate - We're all teachers and learners. You'll grow and help grow the company through cross-functional collaboration, open access to leadership, and regular business updates. You have a direct impact on the company's bottom line. You can also impact your bottom line by participating in our 401(k) plan that includes a company match with immediate vesting.

Farmer's Fridge Diversity Statement

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Farmer's Fridge, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.”

Farmer's Fridge is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including hiring, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. View our disclosures related to External Agencies and Applicants below:

• Seniority levelAssociate

• Employment typeFull-time

• Job functionHuman Resources
• IndustriesFood & Beverages, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Technology, Information and Media

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Farmer's Fridge by 2x

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Disability insurance

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