Payroll & Benefits Manager

About Adams Group

Adams Group is a fifth-generation, family-owned specialty food company built on over 110 years of a simple but powerful belief: good food starts with good people. Founded on the principle of doing the right thing, we've grown to become the most trusted provider of high-quality specialty grains, oils, and seeds—delivering quality ingredients from seed to shelf.

Rooted in trusted farmer partnerships and vertically integrated operations, we combine agricultural expertise with intentional innovation to deliver specialty at scale. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and integrity isn't just what we do—it's who we are.

Our Legacy of Innovation

While we stay true to our values, our success across five generations comes from our entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt to the needs of a changing food landscape. Embodying the spirit of California, we push boundaries, pioneer new standards, and create better-for-all alternatives that nourish people from infancy to adulthood.

More Than a Job—A Purpose

At Adams Group, we offer more than careers; we offer the opportunity to be part of something meaningful. Whether you're producing high-quality ingredients, supporting sustainable practices, or building trusted relationships across our global network, your work helps nourish lives and communities across generations.

We care deeply for our people, build strong relationships with our partners, deliver consistently for our customers, and enrich the communities we serve. Together, we're elevating industry standards and making a lasting impact on the world.

Join Our Story

Come be part of a legacy where good starts with you. At Adams Group, you don't just have a career—you have a legacy.

Our Core Values

At Adams Group, we live by five core values that guide everything we do:

• Quality in all we do
• Doing the right thing
• Building relationships for shared success
• Adapting to change
• Leaving the world better than we found it

Position Summary

The Payroll and Benefits Manager is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and well-run administration of payroll, compensation, and benefits programs that support our growing workforce. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this role executes compensation and benefits programs designed in partnership with the CPO, and ensures day-to-day payroll and benefits operations run smoothly. This position partners closely with the CPO, Finance, and HR Business Partners to deliver consistent, dependable HR operations as the company scales.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employee populations, ensuring accurate and timely delivery
• Manage payroll vendor relationships and system integrations
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations
• Lead payroll audits and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Serve as escalation point for complex payroll issues

Compensation Administration

• Administer compensation programs — including base pay, incentive plans, and equity — in alignment with strategy and plan design set by the Chief People Officer
• Execute annual compensation review cycles, including processing merit increases, promotions, and adjustments
• Partner with the CPO and Finance on compensation budgeting and forecasting

Benefits Administration

• Oversee day-to-day benefits administration including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and ancillary programs
• Lead open enrollment communications and employee education initiatives
• Ensure compliance with ACA, ERISA, COBRA, and other benefits regulations
• Analyze benefits utilization and recommend program enhancements

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of progressive experience in payroll, compensation, and/or benefits administration
• Working knowledge of compensation and benefits program administration and compliance
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems
• Working knowledge of federal and multi-state employment laws related to compensation and benefits
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data for decision-making
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred

• Professional certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, CCP, CEBS, or CPP)
• Experience with Paycom
• Food manufacturing, distribution, or supply chain industry experience
• Background in family-owned or values-driven organizations