People & Culture Manager / Payroll Specialist

Full-Time | On-Site | Chicago, IL

Department: Human Resources | Reports To: Director of People & Culture/CFO

About the Role

Nuage Designs is seeking an experienced and people-first People & Culture Manager / Payroll Specialist to serve as the heartbeat of our Chicago office. This is a hands-on, highly visible role that blends strategic human resources leadership with day-to-day payroll operations across multiple states — while serving as the primary culture carrier and employee champion for our Chicago team.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Chicago and Illinois labor regulations, a proven track record of managing multi-state payroll, and advanced proficiency in ADP Workforce Now and Paycor. Just as importantly, they bring warmth, approachability, and a genuine passion for people.

This role reports directly to the Director of People & Culture and CFO, both based at Nuage Designs' headquarters in Miami, FL. The People & Culture Manager will serve as the on-the-ground extension of the Miami leadership and HR team, ensuring that the culture, values, and people practices of Nuage Designs are fully alive and thriving in Chicago. Occasional travel to Miami HQ will be required to maintain alignment with leadership and participate in company-wide HR initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Culture & Employee Experience

• Serve as the primary culture ambassador for the Chicago office, actively championing Nuage Designs' values, voice, and work environment on the ground every day.
• Build and nurture a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace where employees feel seen, supported, and motivated.
• Act as a trusted, go-to resource for all Chicago employees — providing guidance, support, and a human connection on matters ranging from onboarding questions to workplace concerns.
• Partner with the Miami-based People & Culture team to ensure consistency in employee experience, programs, and culture across all locations.
• Design and execute employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, team events, and wellness efforts tailored to the Chicago team.
• Serve as the liaison between the Chicago leadership team and the Miami headquarters, ensuring open communication, alignment on priorities, and a unified Nuage culture across both locations.
• Participate in company-wide HR initiatives and leadership meetings, with occasional travel to Miami HQ as needed.

Human Resources Management

• Oversee the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and offboarding for all Chicago-based Nuage Designs staff.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures in compliance with federal, Illinois state, and City of Chicago labor laws, including the Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance, Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance, and Illinois Human Rights Act.
• Provide day-to-day HR support to the Chicago leadership team, serving as a strategic advisor on people matters, team dynamics, and organizational needs. 
• In conjunction with the Director or People & Culture serve as advisor to leadership on HR compliance matters, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, and termination procedures.
• Administer employee benefits programs, open enrollment, COBRA, FMLA/CFRA leave, and workers’ compensation claims.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data; generate reports and analytics to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead training and development efforts to support employee growth and manager effectiveness at the Chicago location.

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-weekly and/or semi-monthly payroll for employees across multiple states using ADP Workforce Now, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage payroll tax filings, garnishments, deductions, year-end processing (W-2s, 1099s), and reconciliations for all applicable jurisdictions.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state wage and hour laws, overtime regulations, and tax withholding requirements.
• Own the relationship with ADP support teams; troubleshoot system issues, implement upgrades, and optimize platform configurations.
• Conduct regular payroll audits to identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Finance on payroll journal entries, GL reconciliations, and budget reporting.

Compliance & Regulatory

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Chicago-specific labor ordinances (e.g., Chicago Minimum Wage Ordinance, anti-retaliation protections, predictive scheduling) and Illinois state employment law.
• Monitor legislative changes across all states of operation and proactively update company policies and payroll configurations.
• Prepare and submit required government filings including EEO-1, OSHA logs, new hire reporting, and unemployment claims.
• Manage workers’ compensation insurance, safety compliance, and workplace posting requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• 4-5 years of progressive experience in HR management and payroll administration.
• Expert-level proficiency with both ADP Workforce Now, including payroll processing, reporting, benefits administration, and system configuration.
• Deep working knowledge of City of Chicago labor ordinances, Illinois employment law, and multi-state payroll tax compliance.
• Demonstrated experience processing multi-state payroll for 50+ employees.
• Strong understanding of FLSA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, and other federal employment regulations.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Comfortable working in a remote-reporting structure, maintaining strong communication and collaboration with Miami-based leadership.
• Ability to work on-site at our Chicago office five days per week.
• Willingness and ability to travel to Miami HQ on an occasional basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience in a creative or design-industry environment.
• Familiarity with additional HRIS platforms and time-tracking systems.
• Prior experience implementing or migrating payroll systems.
• Bilingual abilities are a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off, holidays, and paid sick leave in accordance with Chicago ordinance.
• Professional development and certification reimbursement.
• A collaborative, creative work environment in the heart of Chicago, backed by a supportive and people-centered team in Miami.

Nuage Designs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.