HR Lead - Payroll and Benefits, Americas

Location: Houston, United States We are EnerMech, a specialist service company that delivers safe, integrated solutions for complex energy projects. For over 50 years, we have supported our clients across the world with unrivalled expertise, equipment, and technology throughout the entire asset lifecycle – both offshore and onshore. Operating through our global business lines of Energy Solutions, Infrastructure & Industrial Solutions, and Lifting Solutions, we provide a broad range of specialist services including cranes, lifting, fluid power, training, equipment rental, pipeline, process, subsea, and valve services. At EnerMech, we are driven by operational excellence, innovation, and technical expertise, delivering value through integrated solutions that reduce risk, improve efficiency, and enhance performance for our customers worldwide. Overview The Payroll and Benefits Lead is a critical role with EnerMech Mechanical Services, Inc. and will be expected to oversee and manage all aspects of payroll and benefits processes for the US, Canada, Guyana and Trinidad. The Payroll and Benefits Lead will manage all aspects including payroll using ADP (Workforce Now) for US and Canada and Micropay for Guyana and Trinidad, expense report and per diem processing and entry, payroll accuracy, processing, compliance reporting, statutory compliance (reporting and documentation), workers compensation reporting and audit, collaborating with HR department for payroll and benefits matters. This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations, assisting employees with benefits-related inquiries, and collaborating with HR team. This role will require the ability to work with sensitive and confidential data and the ideal candidate will have high emotional intelligence. Main Responsibilities & Key Result Areas: Payroll Manage multi-state Payrolls within the US, Canada payroll, and Guyana and Trinidad payrolls, including garnishments, benefits, and taxes consistent with company policies and federal and state wage and hour laws Supervise the collection, protection, confidentiality, and maintenance of payroll information, systems, calculation, and data entry Process employee new hire, transfer, promotion, and termination information Prepare and process bi-weekly payroll in a timely and accurate manner Handle pay levies, wage garnishments, or any other payments as required by a court of law Work closely with Human Resources to process paid and unpaid leaves of absence, wage adjustments, classification changes, and deduction modifications Reconcile time sheets payroll data for field and office employees, update employee pay and benefit rate changes and resolve any payroll discrepancies Process additional employee pay through the payroll system including expense reports, per-diems and annual bonuses Manage and process payment to the employee retirement services (401k) plan. Manage year-end payroll processes, including recording taxable fringe benefits Reconcile and distribute employee W-2’s and file with associated state and federal agencies Manage payroll compliance to federal, state, and local legal requirements including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime exemptions, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disability Act (ADA), and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Create and maintain a payroll procedure manual Stay up to date with all laws and regulations regarding payroll and payroll taxes, including SUI, social security taxes, and wage data Perform periodic audits on employee salaries, deductions, and taxes. Report any issues to the Head of Human Resources and Human Resources team External financial and other audits – As needed, assist with requests for external audit and other audits M&A assistance – As required, assist Financial Controller and Assistant Controller (along with external consultants if used) with due diligence of all new and proposed acquisitions, including ensuring proper purchase accounting Benefits Administer and maintain employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. Research and analyze benefits plans to recommend improvements Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations governing employee benefits Conduct employee education sessions on benefits enrollment and changes Perform audits of benefits data to ensure accuracy and compliance Prepare reports on benefits usage, costs, and trends for management review Requirements 5+ years of Payroll systems and Benefits Administration experience Minimum 2 years work experience in payroll lead role required ADP – Workforce Now experience required Micropay experience is preferred MS Office Proficiency – Excel is critical Degree in Accounting or other Business/Human Resources related field is preferred Direct payroll lead or manager experience in similar industry International payroll experience is a huge plus Experience with fringe benefits/certified payrolls is required Health & Wellness Programs – Knowledge of medical, dental, vision, and wellness benefits. Retirement Plans – Familiarity with 401(k), pension plans, and other retirement savings options Insurance Policies – Understanding life insurance, disability insurance, and voluntary benefits Compensation & Benefits Strategy – Ability to align benefits offerings with company goals and employee needs QHSE Compliance – Awareness of workplace safety, occupational health, and environmental regulations Market Trends & Benchmarking – Keeping up with industry trends to ensure competitive benefits packages Benefits At EnerMech, you'll join a global organisation where innovation, collaboration and technical excellence drive everything we do. You'll have the opportunity to influence business strategy, develop long-term customer partnerships and contribute to some of the world's most challenging energy and industrial projects. We offer a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where commercial leadership is valued, professional development is encouraged and your contribution will directly support the continued growth and success of our business. Diversity & Inclusion EnerMech is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.