People Operations Generalist (Payroll Specialist)

14549 Minetta St., Houston TX 77035

People Operations Generalist (Payroll Specialist)

Solugen is a groundbreaking technology company on a bold mission to decarbonize the physical world. At the heart of our innovation is the world’s first sustainable molecule factory—the Bioforge. This unique manufacturing platform uses a chemienzymatic process to convert plant-derived substances into essential materials that have historically been made from fossil fuels—all with minimal emissions and no hazardous waste. A highly scalable and localized alternative to conventional approaches, the Bioforge enables us to produce a range of high-performance, cost-competitive, and sustainable solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

Solugen is building a 10,000 tpy first commercial plant with the potential to offset up to 37,000 tpy of carbon dioxide equivalents, with several potential future processes. This role will directly support Solugen’s mission by developing novel processes at the benchtop scale, running pilot-scale experiments, and scaling successful processes to our 10,000 tpy plant. Provide clerical and administrative support to the human resources staff. Reporting to the Director of People, the People Operations Specialist supports the company’s strategic goals by managing all aspects of human resources, fostering a positive and productive workplace environment, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.

Responsibilities include recruiting and retaining top talent, preparing reports and analyzing data, administering benefits programs, and supporting HR initiatives and administrative tasks. The People Operations Generalist aims to contribute to a positive, productive, and supportive work environment that aligns with the company’s strategic objectives.

1. Process and maintain new procedures and policies to continually improve efficiency of the HR department and organization to improve employee experience on a daily basis.2. Assisting on executing personnel procedures and policies, providing guidance and interpretation for business operations3. Provide an effective and dedicated HR advisory service to employees in relation to systems, benefits, policies, culture, organizational changes, and all other employee-relations matters.

 Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations as they pertain to payroll and employee benefits. Prepare and submit necessary reports related to HR activities and compliance. Be the primary backup for payroll processing, including; bi-weekly and semi-monthly updates to employee files, bonus/incentive pay, tracking vacation/sick pay, importing expense reimbursements, inputting exceptions, hourly employee validations, and benefit changes. Collecting and analyzing data related to recruitment, turnover, and employee satisfaction (retention) to inform the People Business Partners. Utilize ADP for payroll processing, benefits administration, and employee record management. Providing support with leave policies, such as FMLA and parental leave, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws. Maintain employee files and records in electronic and paper form.

 Managing company-wide drug testing programs. Assist in the communication, interpretation, and upkeep of employee handbook, employee directory, and organizational chart, and contributes to the development of policies. Oversee employee onboarding and help organize training & development initiatives. Promote HR programs to create an efficient and conflict-free workplace. Enhance job satisfaction by resolving issues promptly, applying new perks and benefits and organizing team building activities. Perform administrative and ad hoc duties as assigned by the People Business Partner Lead.

 Assisting employees with benefits enrollment and answering questions about coverage and eligibility. Coordinating with benefits providers to resolve issues and improve service delivery. Support with administrating quarterly and annual employee performance reviews and engagement surveys.

 Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work. Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture. A passion for green chemistry and fighting climate change. Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule. Be comfortable working in multiple roles. Emphasize safety above all else. Respect for others. Creative problem solving. Willingness to learn and research new engineering/science concepts.

 Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or a related field strongly preferred Minimum of 3-5 years HR experience strongly required Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, ethics, and cultural awareness Resourceful, problem-solving aptitude and thorough knowledge of HR procedures and policies Advanced knowledge of ADP System, MS Office, HRIS systems, and comfortable learning new technical systems as needed SHRM certified is a plus.Solugen is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.