Sam Kugelman
Garden City,NY
Summary
Dynamic HR Operations Manager with extensive experience at Flywheel, adept at streamlining payroll and benefits processes while ensuring compliance across U.S. and Canada. Proven problem solver skilled in Workday and HRIS, driving successful onboarding and offboarding initiatives. Recognized for enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
HR Operations Manager
Flywheel
New York, New York
05.2025 - Current
- Manager of the HR Operations Department of the Flywheel Commerce Network, overseeing multiple employees across three different agencies within the network in both the US and Canada.
- Payroll Manager overseeing U.S. And Canada payroll ledgers ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations. Reviewing and validating timesheets, attendance records, and employee work hours. Along with managing payroll schedules, pay periods, and deadlines.
- Coordinate with finance and accounting for budgeting, reporting, and reconciliations.
- Manage U.S. and Canada employee benefits programs (including Health Insurance Benefits, Leave of Absence, Commuter Benefits, and Retirement Benefits).
- Maintain proficient knowledge of payroll and benefit legislation.
- Project Manager on end-to-end process of multiple business integrations into the Flywheel Network.
Co-Producer
"Don't Trip" - Feature Film
Los Angeles, California
02.2023 - 11.2025
- Developed a grassroots Kickstarter campaign, raising over $100,000.00 in funds for the production of the feature-length film "Don't Trip."
- Coordinated daily schedules for each day of on set filming for the entire cast and crew.
- Ensured daily schedules were on track, minute by minute, to prevent any overtime filming, maintaining in-line budget allocation.
- Negotiated a distribution deal with the streaming service 'Tubi'.
- Developed marketing campaigns and promotional events to market the film to a wide release audience.
Senior HR Operations Specialist
Flywheel
New York, New York
09.2024 - 04.2025
- Handle the end-to-end onboarding process for all U.S. and Canada employees. Beginning with job requisition creation through 30-day check-in.
- Handle the end-to-end offboarding process for all U.S. and Canada employees. Beginning with notice of resignation through new role backfill.
- Address employee inquiries regarding benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies.
- Assist with leave management, including short-term disability, long term disability, maternity, and paternity leave.
- Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for the U.S. and Canada.
HR Operations Consultant
Ascential
New York, NY
06.2021 - 12.2023
- Conducted exit interviews, and ensure proper documentation and follow up.
- Provide generalist support for employee queries related to HR processes and policies.
- Act as a backup for HR business partners when needed.
- Streamlined onboarding and training processes for new employees, creating one harmonized process across multiple brands within the Ascential Portfolio.
- Ensured compliance with labor laws, company policies, and internal audits, ensuring legal standards are met.
- Managed internal and external HR audits, identifying any gaps in compliance, documentation and standards.
HR Operations Associate
Ascential
New York, NY
03.2019 - 05.2021
- Conducted onboarding inductions for all new starters in US region.
- Administered all paperwork for new starters, leavers, and changes to employee terms & conditions, e.g. offer letters, I-9's, transfers, promotions, flexible working, terminations.
- First point of contact for all employees with questions or issues with HRIS.
- Gained Proficiency in Workday Information system.
- Oversaw the end to end process of 2020 and 2021 performance management cycle (Beginning of year Goal setting rollout, mid-year review, end of year performance review)
- Completed various audits of employee files to ensure all records are accurate and up to date; (I-9 Audit, offer letter Audit, Notice period Audit).
Benefits Associate
NYU Winthrop Hospital
Mineola, NY
12.2018 - 02.2019
- Processed enrollments, changes, and terminations in benefit systems.
- Acted as the first point of contact for all employees regarding benefits and insurance inquiries.
- Assisted employees with claims, coverage issues, and vendor escalations.
- Distributed mandatory notices and handled benefits-related audits.
HR Admin
Weight Watchers
Bethpage, NY
09.2018 - 11.2018
- Reorganized the old filing system of all employee documents into a streamlined digital system.
- Helped compile HR dashboards and spreadsheets for management review.
- Answered HR-related queries from employees and applicants.
HR Intern
Museum of the City of New York
New York, NY
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Screened candidates for potential job opportunities to ensure that they are qualified for the position.
- Assisted in onboarding activities, such as preparing welcome kits, orientations, and paperwork for new hires.
- Coordinated with the executive team in order to assist them with any staff issues.
Education
B.S - Public Affairs, Management
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN05.2018
Skills
- HR
- HR Operations
- Workday
- Benefits
- Payroll
- Onboarding
- HRIS
- ADP
- Problem solving
- Film
- Film production
Timeline
HR Operations Manager
Flywheel
05.2025 - Current
Senior HR Operations Specialist
Flywheel
09.2024 - 04.2025
Co-Producer
"Don't Trip" - Feature Film
02.2023 - 11.2025
HR Operations Consultant
Ascential
06.2021 - 12.2023
HR Operations Associate
Ascential
03.2019 - 05.2021
Benefits Associate
NYU Winthrop Hospital
12.2018 - 02.2019
HR Admin
Weight Watchers
09.2018 - 11.2018
HR Intern
Museum of the City of New York
05.2017 - 08.2017
B.S - Public Affairs, Management
Indiana University