The Travel Agency
HR Business Partner (Payroll, Benefits & HR Operations)
The Travel Agency, Uniondale, New York, United States
Harbour Community HR Business Partner (Payroll, Benefits & HR Operations) This HRBP builds and maintains the operational backbone of the People function. By owning payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR systems while supporting two of TTA’s retail stores, this role ensures equitable employee experiences, operational excellence, and readiness for scale. Together with the ER-focused HRBP, this role creates a comprehensive HR support structure that empowers The Travel Agency to grow responsibly and sustainably. About Harbour Community
At The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store, we’re not just another cannabis retailer—we’re here to create an unforgettable shopping experience. Think curated products, personalized service, and a deep connection to our local community. We proudly employ formerly incarcerated individuals and promote BIPOC-, women-, and LGBTQIA-owned brands. Position Overview
The HR Business Partner (Payroll, Benefits & HR Operations) is a core member of the People Team responsible for managing the HR systems and processes that keep the organization running smoothly. This role provides day-to-day HR partnership to two of The Travel Agency’s four retail dispensaries, while also owning all payroll administration, benefits operations, HRIS management, and workforce compliance across the entire organization. Key Responsibilities
HR Operations Leadership (Organization-Wide)
Oversee all payroll administration across the organization, ensuring timely, accurate pay cycles for hourly and salaried employees. Manage benefits administration including health insurance, wellness stipends, commuter benefits, leaves of absence, and open enrollment. Maintain and optimize the organization’s HRIS (Gusto, When I Work, Lattice), ensuring data integrity, troubleshooting issues, and executing system updates. Partner with Finance on payroll funding, reconciliations, reporting, and audit reviews. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws including wage and hour, NY Safe & Sick, ACA, and cannabis-specific regulations. Day-to-Day HR Support for Assigned Retail Stores
Serve as the primary HR partner for two designated dispensary locations, supporting store leadership with HR operations, onboarding, scheduling alignment, and benefits-related questions. Conduct weekly on-site visits to maintain visibility, support store teams, and ensure consistent application of HR processes. Support Store Directors and Supervisors with employee questions, payroll adjustments, leave coordination, and workforce planning. Ensure hiring, onboarding, and offboarding processes are executed accurately and consistently. Payroll, Benefits & Workforce Compliance
Own weekly and semi-monthly payroll processing, including wage adjustments, retroactive payments, overtime logic, and premium pay requirements. Conduct ongoing audits to ensure accurate timekeeping, correct pay calculations, and consistent scheduling practices across all locations. Manage benefits enrollment, eligibility tracking, carrier communication, and employee support. Support leave administration including FMLA, NY Paid Family Leave, ADA accommodations, and return-to-work processes. Maintain compliance documentation and support annual reporting (ACA, EEO-1, workers’ compensation, etc.). Identify system gaps and process inefficiencies; propose solutions that align with TTA’s values and growth. HR Data, Reporting & Analytics
Generate and maintain HR dashboards and reports related to headcount, turnover, payroll accuracy, attendance trends, and compliance metrics. Support workforce planning with accurate, real-time data for leadership. Conduct compensation benchmarking and support equitable pay practices. Employee Experience, Culture & Engagement
Provide guidance to employees on benefits, HR policies, pay cycles, and leave procedures to deliver a positive employee experience. Partner with L&D on operational training related to payroll, timekeeping, scheduling, and other HR systems. Support culture efforts including onboarding, recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and engagement events. Ensure HR operations processes are transparent, equitable, and aligned with company values. Support in a High-Growth, Union-Aware Environment
Maintain awareness of collective bargaining agreements as they relate to scheduling, pay, premiums, benefits, and job classifications. Partner with HR leadership to ensure union-related payroll and benefits components are applied consistently. Qualifications
3–5+ years of HR operations, payroll, benefits administration, or HRBP experience in retail, hospitality, cannabis, or other hourly environments. Strong working knowledge of payroll systems, HRIS tools, and benefits administration. Experience with Gusto, ADP, When I Work, or equivalent systems preferred. Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills and the ability to manage data with accuracy. Knowledge of wage and hour regulations, payroll compliance, and benefits laws. Excellent communication skills and the ability to support employees with empathy and clarity. Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment. High integrity and discretion when handling sensitive employee information. Preferred Qualifications
Cannabis retail or regulated industry experience. Experience with leave administration and multi-site payroll operations. Working knowledge of unionized environments. Salary & Work Location
Salary:
$80,000–$105,000 (commensurate with experience) Work Location:
Hybrid — on-site in Manhattan a minimum of 4 days per week to support retail teams and HR leadership.
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At The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store, we’re not just another cannabis retailer—we’re here to create an unforgettable shopping experience. Think curated products, personalized service, and a deep connection to our local community. We proudly employ formerly incarcerated individuals and promote BIPOC-, women-, and LGBTQIA-owned brands. Position Overview
The HR Business Partner (Payroll, Benefits & HR Operations) is a core member of the People Team responsible for managing the HR systems and processes that keep the organization running smoothly. This role provides day-to-day HR partnership to two of The Travel Agency’s four retail dispensaries, while also owning all payroll administration, benefits operations, HRIS management, and workforce compliance across the entire organization. Key Responsibilities
HR Operations Leadership (Organization-Wide)
Oversee all payroll administration across the organization, ensuring timely, accurate pay cycles for hourly and salaried employees. Manage benefits administration including health insurance, wellness stipends, commuter benefits, leaves of absence, and open enrollment. Maintain and optimize the organization’s HRIS (Gusto, When I Work, Lattice), ensuring data integrity, troubleshooting issues, and executing system updates. Partner with Finance on payroll funding, reconciliations, reporting, and audit reviews. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws including wage and hour, NY Safe & Sick, ACA, and cannabis-specific regulations. Day-to-Day HR Support for Assigned Retail Stores
Serve as the primary HR partner for two designated dispensary locations, supporting store leadership with HR operations, onboarding, scheduling alignment, and benefits-related questions. Conduct weekly on-site visits to maintain visibility, support store teams, and ensure consistent application of HR processes. Support Store Directors and Supervisors with employee questions, payroll adjustments, leave coordination, and workforce planning. Ensure hiring, onboarding, and offboarding processes are executed accurately and consistently. Payroll, Benefits & Workforce Compliance
Own weekly and semi-monthly payroll processing, including wage adjustments, retroactive payments, overtime logic, and premium pay requirements. Conduct ongoing audits to ensure accurate timekeeping, correct pay calculations, and consistent scheduling practices across all locations. Manage benefits enrollment, eligibility tracking, carrier communication, and employee support. Support leave administration including FMLA, NY Paid Family Leave, ADA accommodations, and return-to-work processes. Maintain compliance documentation and support annual reporting (ACA, EEO-1, workers’ compensation, etc.). Identify system gaps and process inefficiencies; propose solutions that align with TTA’s values and growth. HR Data, Reporting & Analytics
Generate and maintain HR dashboards and reports related to headcount, turnover, payroll accuracy, attendance trends, and compliance metrics. Support workforce planning with accurate, real-time data for leadership. Conduct compensation benchmarking and support equitable pay practices. Employee Experience, Culture & Engagement
Provide guidance to employees on benefits, HR policies, pay cycles, and leave procedures to deliver a positive employee experience. Partner with L&D on operational training related to payroll, timekeeping, scheduling, and other HR systems. Support culture efforts including onboarding, recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and engagement events. Ensure HR operations processes are transparent, equitable, and aligned with company values. Support in a High-Growth, Union-Aware Environment
Maintain awareness of collective bargaining agreements as they relate to scheduling, pay, premiums, benefits, and job classifications. Partner with HR leadership to ensure union-related payroll and benefits components are applied consistently. Qualifications
3–5+ years of HR operations, payroll, benefits administration, or HRBP experience in retail, hospitality, cannabis, or other hourly environments. Strong working knowledge of payroll systems, HRIS tools, and benefits administration. Experience with Gusto, ADP, When I Work, or equivalent systems preferred. Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills and the ability to manage data with accuracy. Knowledge of wage and hour regulations, payroll compliance, and benefits laws. Excellent communication skills and the ability to support employees with empathy and clarity. Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment. High integrity and discretion when handling sensitive employee information. Preferred Qualifications
Cannabis retail or regulated industry experience. Experience with leave administration and multi-site payroll operations. Working knowledge of unionized environments. Salary & Work Location
Salary:
$80,000–$105,000 (commensurate with experience) Work Location:
Hybrid — on-site in Manhattan a minimum of 4 days per week to support retail teams and HR leadership.
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