Associate Director of Human Resources & Payroll

Our client, LA County Fair Association located in Pomona, CA is looking for a dynamic HR leader with deep payroll expertise to join their team as the Associate Director of HR Operations & Payroll. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and Risk, this role is pivotal in ensuring accurate payroll administration, compliance with complex regulations, and fostering a positive, service-driven culture that supports retention and engagement.

In this position, you will oversee all aspects of payroll processing for two distinct business entities with a large, diverse workforce - including union employees - ensuring accuracy and timeliness while navigating labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. You will lead compliance efforts across wage and hour, leaves, benefits, and retirement plans, including 401K audits, and maintain strong relationships with benefit brokers. This role also involves supervising a high-performing team, planning workloads, forecasting staffing needs, and coaching for success. Additionally, you will partner with leadership to sustain an inclusive, positive culture and deliver strategic HR solutions that align with organizational goals.

To be successful in this role, you will hold a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field and bring at least eight years of progressive HR experience, including three years in management. Expertise in payroll, union relations, and retirement plan compliance is essential, along with strong knowledge of HR laws and accounting principles. Proficiency in Paycom and MS Office is required. This role demands exceptional attention to detail, organizational and time management skills, emotional intelligence, and a positive, collaborative attitude.  If you are looking for a leadership role where you can make a difference, this is the opportunity for you!  EOE