Position Summary:The Payroll & Benefits Manager owns the end-to-end execution of payroll and benefits administration for Riser Fitness and is the company's subject matter expert on payroll compliance, wage and hour law, and benefits program management. This role reports directly to the Chief People Officer. It also serves as the business owner of our HRIS platform (Rippling)
This is a working manager role. You are comfortable building scalable processes, navigating multi-state complexity, and partnering cross functionally when the situation calls for it.
Schedule and Availability:This role requires flexibility to work .
The Day-to-day:Payroll Operations & Compliance- Own and administer bi-weekly payroll for 1,400+ employees across 8+ states, with a strong emphasis on California wage and hour compliance
- Review payroll changes for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to payroll submission
- Ensure consistency and integrity of payroll data across all payroll systems and providers
- Partner closely with People Operations to ensure employee lifecycle events are accurately reflected in payroll systems
- Serve as the company's primary compliance resource for federal, state, and local payroll requirements, including minimum wage changes, overtime rules, pay frequency mandates, final pay timing, and required deductions
- Monitor and implement wage law changes across all operating jurisdictions; maintain a compliance calendar and proactively brief the CPO and Finance on upcoming changes and cost impact
- Manage garnishments, tax filings, year-end W-2 processing, and multi-state payroll tax registrations
- Own or support the calculation, validation, and payroll processing of employee bonus and commission programs
- Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliation, accruals, and headcount reporting
- Continuously improve payroll processes, controls, and documentation to support company growth and scalability
Benefits Administration- Manage day-to-day administration of health, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, and ancillary benefit programs
- Own open enrollment planning and execution, including carrier coordination, employee communications, and system configuration
- Coordinate annual 401(k) audit activities, including auditor requests, census preparation, testing support, reconciliations, and documentation
- Serve as escalation point for employee benefits questions and claims issues
- Partner with brokers and carriers on plan renewals, benchmarking, and cost analysis; present recommendations to the CPO
- Ensure ACA compliance, including 1094/1095-C filing and eligibility tracking for variable-hour employees
- Manage COBRA, LOA/FMLA benefits continuation, and life event changes
HRIS Ownership & Team Leadership- Serve as the Payroll & Benefits business owner within Rippling, setting requirements, validating configuration, and owning the integrity of payroll and benefits data
- Partner with People leadership and Finance on system decisions that carry downstream payroll or compliance implications
- Support the Rippling implementation and ongoing platform optimization within the payroll and benefits function
Is this you? - 5+ years of multi-state payroll experience, with demonstrated ownership of compliance obligations across multiple jurisdictions
- Deep working knowledge of California wage and hour law, including meal and rest period requirements, final pay rules, exempt/non-exempt classification, and PAGA exposure
- Experience administering group benefits programs including health insurance, 401(k), and leave
- Proficiency with a modern HRIS/payroll platform (Rippling experience strongly preferred; ADP, Paylocity, Paycom also relevant)
- Ability to read and apply statutory and regulatory changes - not just flag them, but implement them
- Strong attention to detail with a track record of audit-ready payroll records
- Clear, direct communicator, comfortable presenting to leadership
Preferred- Experience in multi-unit retail, hospitality, fitness, or franchise operating environments
- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or PHR/SPHR designation
- Experience managing or mentoring direct reports
- Familiarity with ACA compliance and variable-hour employee tracking
Rewards and Benefits: Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage, including Basic Life & AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability, providing financial protection at no cost to team members.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options, with coverage effective the first of the month following your hire date.
- Telehealth and virtual care access, offering convenient, low-cost medical support anytime, anywhere.
- 401K retirement plan with employer matching, supporting long-term financial security.
- Paid time off, including vacation and sick time, to support rest, recovery and work-life balance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential counseling, tools, and year-round wellbeing resources for employees and their households.
- Optional voluntary benefits- including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and
