Payroll & Benefit Business Partner

About the Company: Nestled in the Green Mountains of northern Vermont is a company quietly shaping the landscape of agriculture and food distribution: Butternut Mountain Farm. As one of the largest maple syrup companies in the world, Butternut Mountain Farm works closely with maple sugarmakers to aggregate production in order to supply markets too large for any single producer. Extraordinary customer service, quality products, and a genuine commitment to the industry underpin Butternut Mountain Farm's 50 years of connecting maple from tree to table.  

Overview: The Payroll & Benefit Business Partner is responsible for overseeing key people resource operations and systems. These include payroll, benefits, HR systems, leave programs, compliance requirements, and Department of Transportation (DOT). This role uses people data and cost metrics to identify trends, improve processes, support business decisions, and ensure a high level of service to employees and vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll & Benefits Management/Analytics
  • Own payroll and benefits services to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
  • Analyze payroll and benefits data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement.
  • Partner with Finance, our payroll provider, and benefits vendors to resolve issues, address employee issues and ensure satisfactory service delivery.
  • Develop and monitor people metrics and reports related to payroll, benefits, and workforce costs.
• HRIS Management
  • Manage and maintain the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and appropriate access.
  • Support system configuration, reporting, audits, and process improvements.
  • Identify opportunities to automate processes and improve the employee experience.
  • Provide HRIS support and training to managers and employees as needed.
• Leave Management
  • Administer and oversee employee leave programs, ensuring accurate tracking and timely processing.
  • Ensure leave practices comply with applicable federal, state, and company requirements.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and records while partnering with employees, managers, and third-party       administrators.
  • Monitor leave trends and provide reporting and analytics to leadership.
• Compliance, Audits & Customer      Surveys
  • Support and maintain people compliance programs, policies, and procedures.
  • Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure required documentation is accurate and complete.
  • Monitor compliance requirements and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
  • Manage or support customer surveys, analyze results, identify trends, and develop recommendations to improve service quality.
  • Maintain appropriate records and documentation for compliance and audit purposes.
• DOT Oversight
  • Work with third party administrator to ensure compliance requirements are being met.
• Cost Metrics & Analytics
  • Develop, track, and analyze people-related cost metrics and key performance indicators.
  • Monitor labor, payroll, benefits, leave, and other workforce-related expenses.
  • Identify cost trends, risks, and opportunities for greater efficiency.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for leadership to support data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in People operations, HRIS, payroll, benefits, compliance, or a related area.
• Strong knowledge of People processes, employment compliance, and data management.
• Experience with HRIS platforms and People reporting/analytics. Experience with Paylocity a plus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential employee information with discretion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.

Core Competencies

• Payroll & Benefits
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• HRIS Management
• Process Improvement
• Attention to Detail
• Confidentiality &  Professional Judgment
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Compensation and Benefits 

At Butternut Mountain Farm, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. We are open to considering flexible scheduling options to accommodate work-life balance. This is a full-time, onsite position in Morrisville, VT, with potential for hybrid. As an employer of choice, we provide a friendly work environment, professional development opportunities, and the potential for growth. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, fostering diversity and inclusivity.