Dole Packaged Foods is a purpose led organization that is a champion of accessible fruit nutrition and builds a brighter future for people through the goodness of fruit.

The Manager, Benefits & Payroll is responsible for supporting all aspects of Dole’s payroll processing, compliance adherence, and employee benefits administration. This includes maintaining the payroll and benefits systems for the company, and reporting in compliance with regulatory requirements.

This role is located on-site at our Westlake Village office.

• Leadership & Team Management:
  • Manage and mentor the Payroll and Benefits team, fostering professional development and ensuring high performance.
  • Assign tasks, set priorities, and monitor team progress to ensure deadlines are consistently met.
  • Identify and assign training programs and provide guidance to team members on payroll and benefits processes, systems, and compliance.
  • Establish team goals aligned with departmental and organizational objectives and conduct regular performance evaluations.
  • Respond to inquiries, troubleshoot payroll and benefits issues, providing resolution support and expertise.
• Payroll Administration:
  • Oversee and facilitate the timely and accurate processing of all payroll functions, including time sheets, additional payments, deductions, tax withholdings, and direct deposits.
  • Ensure compliance with payroll regulations and timely remittance of employee withholdings, such as savings plans and garnishments.
  • Review and approve payroll processing for regular pay dates and special payrolls, reconciliations, including payroll tax deposits, benefit contributions, and retirement reporting.
  • Develop and enforce annual, quarterly, and monthly payroll schedules, ensuring adherence to all deadlines.
  • Interpret and communicate policies, agreements, and federal, state, and local regulations to team members and stakeholders.
  • Establish, monitor, and improve internal controls for payroll accuracy and compliance.
  • Oversee and facilitate the payroll and benefit accounting functions for accounting periods, and calendar year periods, including recording financial transactions, preparation of required reports and supporting documentation, preparation of requested data schedules, journal entries, reconciliations, audits and compliance.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to address payroll-related matters, including wage adjustments, leave policies, and grievances.
  • Stay informed on changes to laws and regulations affecting payroll, ensuring organizational compliance.
• Benefits Administration:
  • Manages the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, COBRA, and other benefit offerings.
  • Facilitate the planning and implementation for the annual open enrollment process, including communication strategies, system setup, and employee support.
  • Collaborate with external vendors, brokers, and carriers to manage benefit plans, resolve escalated issues, and support renewals.
  • Ensure accurate third-party set-up and company system set-up for benefit enrollments, updates, terminations, and other requirements for processing.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements on a federal, state, and local level, including preparation and submission of IRS 5500 forms and other filings.
  • Compliance & Reporting:
  • Collaborate with Finance, HR, and Legal teams to ensure accurate payroll and benefits reporting.
  • Prepare, analyze, and present compliance reports, including federal, state, and local filings, as well as internal and external audits.
  • Lead the team in conducting audits to ensure adherence to payroll and benefits regulations.
  • Monitor legislative changes related to payroll, benefits, and employee rights, ensuring the organization remains compliant.
  • Develop and maintain documentation of payroll and benefits processes, providing training and coordinating backup coverage as needed.
• System Management & Optimization:
  • Serve as primary administrator for payroll, benefits, and timekeeping systems, ensuring proper configuration and system functionality while collaborating with vendors and DPF’s IT Department.
  • Lead system updates, implementations, and integrations, providing technical guidance and support.
  • Develop and maintain import/export files and interfaces. Oversee data accuracy and integrity between systems.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance system functionality and streamline processes.
• Other duties as assigned

• Minimum 7 years of payroll and benefits administration experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Expertise in multi-jurisdictional payroll, tax, and wage & hour regulations.
• Strong experience with payroll, benefits, and timekeeping systems (ADP & Kronos preferred).
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems; advanced Excel skills

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Passionate about a purpose driven career
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and customer service orientation.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive employee information.

Education & Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or other HR certifications preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and use the computer for extended periods of time; ability to answer phones and use a variety of office equipment; ability to lift 15 pounds and reach overhead.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel expected

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

FOR JOBS BASED IN CALIFORNIA:

Hiring Pay Scale: $100,000 to $120,000

Dole Packaged Foods is committed to paying our Associates fairly and equitably. The pay rate offered will consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, accomplishments, and location. Pay scales are subject to review on a regular basis and will be updated as appropriate.