Payroll and Benefits Manager

Job Description

QE Solar is one of the nation's largest independent solar and BESS operations and maintenance providers, with over 15 years of operating experience. We manage 10 GW of solar and 7.5 GWh of BESS across 44 states, supporting asset owners with multi-hundred MW utility solar projects and large standalone BESS systems. We're pure-play O&M. That focus means our entire organization is built around one thing: keeping solar and storage assets running well. Our technicians carry broad OEM certifications, and our in-house capabilities span MV/HV electrical, vegetation management, engineering, and capital improvements, to streamline asset management for project owners.

We're looking for a Payroll & Benefits Manager who is passionate about creating exceptional employee experience through accurate payroll administration, strategic benefits management, and competitive total rewards programs.

Position Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Manager is responsible for leading payroll administration, employee benefits, compensation programs, and compliance initiatives across the organization. This role combines hands-on payroll processing with strategic planning to ensure QE Solar's total rewards programs remain competitive, compliant, and cost-effective.

The ideal candidate has extensive multi-state payroll experience, strong knowledge of benefits administration, prevailing wage compliance (IRA & Davis-Bacon), and experience working within Rippling Payroll.

What You'll Do

Payroll Administration

• Manage payroll processing for all employees using Rippling Payroll
• Ensure accurate timekeeping from multiple time management systems
• Process new hires, terminations, promotions, pay changes, garnishments, and payroll adjustments
• Maintain payroll records in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Coordinate payroll tax filings, W-2 processing, and year-end payroll activities
• Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliation and reporting
• Manage state payroll tax accounts with Rippling HR Services

Benefits Administration

• Administer all employee benefit programs
• Manage enrollments, qualifying life events, and employee benefit changes
• Coordinate annual Open Enrollment with external benefits brokers
• Reconcile carrier invoices
• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefit questions and vendor escalations

401(k) Administration

• Serve as primary administrator for the company's Fidelity 401(k) plan
• Ensure ongoing compliance and accurate plan administration

Prevailing Wage Compliance

• Partner with HR and Labor Compliance teams to administer prevailing wage and fringe benefit requirements
• Ensure compliance with IRA and Davis-Bacon regulations
• Verify labor classifications and wage determinations with project teams

Total Rewards & Benefits Strategy

• Evaluate benefit utilization and renewal opportunities
• Recommend plan improvements and cost-saving initiatives
• Assist with compensation benchmarking and salary structure development
• Support total rewards initiatives that improve attraction and retention

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with:
  • FLSA
  • ACA
  • ERISA
  • COBRA
  • Federal, State, and Local Payroll Laws
  • Prevailing Wage Regulations
• Monitor legislative updates affecting payroll and benefits
• Develop internal payroll controls and audit procedures

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree
• 8+ years of progressive payroll, benefits, and compensation experience
• 2+ years in a lead or management capacity
• Multi-state payroll experience
• Deep understanding of federal, state, and local payroll laws
• Strong HRIS experience
• Experience improving payroll and HR processes
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion

Preferred

• Experience administering Rippling Payroll
• 1-3 years of Prevailing Wage (IRA & Davis-Bacon) experience
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, CPP, or CEBS certification

QE Solar is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy:

• 100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Discounted Life & Disability Insurance

Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:

QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.

The pay range for this role is:

105,000 - 130,000 USD per year (Remote (United States))