About Lygos

Lygos, Inc. is a specialty chemical company that helps customers meet their highest performance and sustainability goals. Lygos’ bio-inspired solutions are designed to replace persistent and carbon-intensive chemicals with products that are better, cleaner, and cost effective. With a proprietary and fully integrated platform of the most advanced technologies across synthetic biology, industrial chemistry, and application development, a pipeline of innovative products, a first-of-its-kind Sustainable Solutions Center, and an integrated supply chain, Lygos is accelerating the world’s transition to high-performing, sustainable solutions.

Lygos recently launched its Soltellus™ biodegradable polymer product line, with applications in home and personal care, water treatment and agricultural applications, and Ecoteria™ products, that have applications in fragrances as well as for coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers.

About the Position

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll and Human Resources Manager to join our growing organization. As a member of the Human Resources team, you will report to the Head of People and support payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws and company policies. In this role, you will have the opportunity to implement innovative payroll solutions, contribute to employee engagement initiatives, and improve HR operations. You’ll also experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact.

Role & Responsibilities

Payroll

• Implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions
• Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates
• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices
• Facilitates audits by providing records and documentation to auditors
• Identifies and recommends updates to payroll processing software, systems, and procedures

Human Resources

• Administers Total Rewards including maintaining compensation bands, conducting compensation and bonus cycles, managing employee benefits, and administering retirement plans
• Conducts employee onboarding and helps plan training & development
• Maintains employee files and records. Creates reports as needed by the business
• Assists the Head of People in employment matters including documentation, investigations, and changes of employment
• Manages employee leaves of absence
• Reviews employee background checks and verifies employment
• Prepares required compliance reports and documentation

Qualifications & Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes
• Excellent knowledge of federal and state labor laws
• Extensive knowledge of human resources practices and processes
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead and manage through influence
• Expert knowledge of payroll and HRIS software
• Experience supporting an international, distributed workforce

Nice-to-haves (but not required):

• Experience administering payroll internationally through a PEO or EOR
• Experience implementing new payroll and/or HRIS
• Experience negotiating benefits packages with brokers
• Experience with timekeeping and reporting for government grants

Compensation and Benefits

Lygos offers highly competitive salaries, stock options, bonus and benefits, including medical and dental insurance, unlimited paid time off, and 401(k).

Salary Range: 125k - 140k Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance. The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility.

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor individuals for employment visas for this job.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Location information:

This position is for our Hayward, CA location. The employee must work on-site at this location 2-3 days per week. Lygos is not offering relocation assistance at this time.

Lygos, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.