Human Resources Generalist
Company: Surgistar
Location: Vista, CA (On-site)
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Director of Human Resources
About Surgistar: We are a division of MicroSurgical Technology (MST), that develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for the ophthalmology market. Our products are manufactured using the highest levels of care and precision at our manufacturing facility in Vista, California.
We constantly evolve to meet the distinct clinical needs of ophthalmic surgeons through our dedicated partnership with surgeon-designers, bringing innovation to ophthalmology.
Together, we create a place where we are successful, motivated by our mission and inspire each other. This is where you can do your best work!
Position Summary
Surgistar is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to support a broad range of HR functions, including payroll administration, employee relations, benefits administration, recruitment and onboarding, leave administration, compliance, training, and HR operations. This position will serve as a key on-site resource for employees and managers at Surgistar while also supporting cross-organizational HR projects and employees as business needs require.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, approachable, and able to manage confidential information while balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Essential Responsibilities
Payroll and Timekeeping
· Process and audit biweekly payroll accurately and on schedule in coordination with internal stakeholders and payroll providers.
· Review and validate timekeeping records, paid time off, overtime, shift differentials, benefit deductions, and payroll adjustments.
· Coordinate payroll activities for new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, leaves, and other employee changes.
· Respond to employee payroll and timekeeping questions and resolve discrepancies promptly.
· Support payroll implementation, testing, reconciliations, audits, year-end activities, and continuous process improvements.
· Maintain accurate payroll records and support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour requirements.
Employee Relations and HR Support
· Serve as an accessible on-site HR resource for employees and managers regarding policies, payroll, benefits, leaves, and HR programs.
· Provide guidance on routine employee relations matters and escalate complex or sensitive issues as appropriate.
· Support performance management, corrective action, employee development, engagement, and retention initiatives.
· Promote consistent application of company policies and help foster a respectful, inclusive, and employee-focused workplace.
Recruitment, Onboarding, and Offboarding
· Partner with Talent Acquisition and hiring managers to support job postings, interview coordination, candidate communication, and hiring activities.
· Coordinate pre-employment requirements and facilitate new-hire onboarding, orientation, documentation, and Day 1 readiness.
· Maintain Form I-9 and other employment records in accordance with legal and company requirements.
· Coordinate employee offboarding, final documentation, system updates, and related payroll and benefit notifications.
Benefits and Leave Administration
· Assist employees with benefit enrollment, qualifying life events, open enrollment, and routine benefit questions.
· Coordinate with benefit brokers, carriers, and other vendors and maintain accurate eligibility and deduction records.
· Administer and track leaves of absence, workplace accommodations, and workers compensation matters in partnership with HR leadership and external administrators.
· Support compliance with applicable federal and California leave and accommodation requirements.
HR Compliance, Systems, and Administration
· Maintain accurate employee data and records in the HRIS and other HR or payroll systems.
· Support HR system…