People Operations Specialist

Company Overview:Walker-Miller Energy Services is a 26-year-old Detroit-based, core-values driven company committed to changing lives through energy efficiency. We create and manage customized energy waste reduction programs that help electric and gas utilities meet mandated energy savings goals. Our experience driven philosophy of energy efficiency as economic development helps families and businesses save energy and save money. Through innovative, inclusive initiatives, we help build communities by creating local jobs, producing equitable energy savings for all rate payers, and spurring the growth of diverse local businesses.Our operating philosophy is reflected in our core values. We refer to them as BEHIVE.B - Boldly GoE - Embrace EquityH - Humble ConfidenceI - Inclusive StewardshipV - Value ReputationE - Extraordinary ExperiencePosition Summary:The People Operations Specialist will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of payroll, benefits, HRIS (specifically Workday), data analytics, and compliance. This role plays an integral part in the department's continuous improvement initiatives and is responsible for identifying opportunities to streamline and/or automate practices.Essential Responsibilities: This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.Embrace and operate within our core values.Payroll: Lead and coordinate a biweekly, multi-state payroll, and process off-cycle payments.Maintain the timekeeping system and work directly with team members to resolve timecard issues and assist people leaders with timecard approvals.Respond to and process wage garnishments.Process team member status changes (i.e., promotions, rehires, resignations, retirements, transfers, etc.).Maintain payroll pay codes (paid and unpaid) and create new pay codes as needed.Manage paid time off (PTO) accruals and audit team member balances for accuracy.Lead and resolve payroll-related audits.Develop checks and balances with established processes and workflows.Respond timely to payroll and IRS tax notices and establish Walker-Miller Energy Services as an employer as required under applicable federal, state, and local laws.Manage all executed severance agreements, including ensuring all payroll and benefit-related conditions are fulfilled. Track ongoing severance payments and respond to recipient inquiries/questions, etc.Respond to unemployment claims.Benefits:Manage the benefits enrollment process, determine eligibility, and assist with benefit claim issues and plan changes in partnership with vendors.Coordinate open enrollment activities, including meetings, communication plans, enrollment assistance, and auditing.Reconcile monthly benefit vendor invoices and submit billing for payment.Assist team members with qualifying life events and enrollment/cancellation of applicable benefit plansPartner with benefits broker to resolve benefit-related issues and respond to queries and requests in a timely manner.401K Administration: Support the annual 401k audit, providing auditors with requested information in a timely manner.Manage all 401k transactions, including eligibility, contribution changes, loan requests and repayments, rollovers, and withdrawals.Remit all 401k contributions each time a payroll is processed/as applicable.Ensure process compliance and accurate administration of all payments.Lead annual 401k audits.HRIS:Create and evolve SOPs (Standard Operating Processes)Process improvement: Identify and resolve operational efficiencies through continuous process improvement.Utilize HRIS systems and computer software programs to maintain records, create and design reports, and create supporting documentation, forms, and materials.Provide data and analytics to ensure data-based decision-making.Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field, or equivalent work experience.Minimum 5 years of experience in payroll, benefits, and leave of absence.Minimum 5 years HRIS management (Workday strongly preferred).Thorough knowledge of leave and benefits-related legislation, including but not limited to CARES Act, FMLA, ADA, Unemployment, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FLSA, and the DOL.Data and analysis expertise.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Solution-oriented, creative thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.Proficient with MS Office, tech-savvy.Must have a high sense of urgency, customer-service driven, and team player mentality.Licenses & CertificationsSHRM or similar certifications, helpful.Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentRequired to sit, stand, walk; talk and hear; and ability to touch and handle tools and/or controlsAbility to lift up to 10 poundsNoise level is typically low to moderateNote: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.The above information describes the general duties and requirements necessary to perform the principle functions of the position. This shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the duties and requirements that may be necessary in this position.Walker-Miller Energy Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.At Walker-Miller Energy Services, we Embrace Equity by encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds and identities to apply for open positions! We have several optional questions about candidates' demographics, but they do not impact hiring decisions. In fact, all candidate demographic data is anonymized for compliance purposes and to reduce unconscious bias in the hiring process, so none of the information collected here will be attached to your individual application. We ask for this information because Walker-Miller is committed to inclusive recruitment practices, so we hold ourselves to a high standard in developing a candidate pool that is diverse in background, experience, and perspective.Walker-Miller Energy Services participates in E-Verify. Which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For up-to-date information on E-Verify, go to and click on 'E-Verify' located near the bottom of the page.E-Verify NoticeE-Verify Notice (Spanish)Right to Work NoticeRight to Work Notice (Spanish)

Created: 2026-04-02