HR, Payroll, and Benefits Manager

With more than 50 years of experience serving the Texas Medical Center (TMC) campus, Thermal Energy Corporation (TECO) owns and operates the district energy system supplying thermal utilities to institutions in the largest medical city in the world. The chilled water and steam system – owned and operated by TECO since 1978 – began under the ownership of Houston Natural Gas Company in 1969.

Today, TECO’s combined heat and power based (CHP) system pipes chilled water to more than 26 million square feet across 16 different institutions. Customers use TECO’s chilled water service for space cooling, cold rooms and refrigeration; and TECO’s steam service to meet space heating, dehumidification, humidification, sterilization, kitchen, and research requirements.

TECO expands as needed to keep pace with the service needs of the institutions and operates one of the largest district energy chilled water systems in the world. TECO's economy of size and commitment to excellence result in increased productivity and minimum cost. Design and operating philosophies provide safeguards and back-up systems resulting in resiliency and ample redundancy to ensure the reliable services required.

TECO, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit company, is governed by the institutions it serves in the Texas Medical Center and is known for reliability, resiliency, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship - The Energy Behind What’s Next on the TMC campus.

JOB SUMMARY

Highly organized and detail-oriented HR, Payroll & Benefits Manager to oversee and manage core human resources functions, benefits administration, and payroll operations. This role will be responsible for HR administration, employee relations, benefits programs, compliance, and performance management processes. Additionally, the Manager will ensure payroll accuracy in partnership with our third-party payroll service and will play a key role in the ongoing optimization of the HRIS.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist senior management with alignment of HR initiatives with organizational goals.
• Champion the optimization of HRIS and other digital platforms to automate processes and enhance employee engagement.
• Perform HR administrative functions including recruiting, onboarding, offboarding, records management, leave management, training and policy updates.
• Lead the annual performance management process.
• Support recruitment and new-hire processes in collaboration with hiring managers.
• Assist in development, implementation and monitoring of the annual Compensation and Benefits budget.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation in line with compliance standards.
• Ensure tax, audit, and accounting expectations and obligations are fulfilled accurately by required deadlines.
• Supervise and support team members, providing guidance and performance oversight, as needed.
• Perform all other duties as directed by the CEO and President, VP of Human Resources, and VP of Finance.
• Manage the payroll process in partnership with our third-party payroll service, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and issue resolution.
• Validate payroll data, including hours worked, benefits deductions, and other compensation elements.
• Review payroll reports, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with applicable wage and hour laws.
• Oversee quarter-end and year-end payroll activities (e.g., W-2s, tax filings, etc.).
• Support incident reporting and management in partnership with other departments.
• Administer all employee benefits, including 401(k), FMLA/disability and leave of absences, ensuring compliance and effective communication.
• Partner with vendors and advisors to optimize plan performance and employee experience.
• Oversee wellness initiative activities, including the annual Wellness Program.
• Lead benefits education initiatives to maximize employee understanding and participation.
• Ensure all HR and benefits programs comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Monitor regulatory changes and update policies and practices as needed.
• Serve as the lead administrator for the HRIS; optimize system functionality and reporting.
• Automate and streamline HR processes through technology.
• Serve as trusted point of contact for employee relations matters, benefits and workplace practices.
• Conduct internal investigations and ensure proper documentation and resolution.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, administration or related field required.
• 4+ years of progressive HR experience including benefits, employee relations, and payroll processing/oversight.
• Strong systems orientation; experience with modern HRIS platforms and reporting tools; ADP Workforce Now experience a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.