Why is This a Great Opportunity?
This Total Rewards Manager role offers the opportunity to shape and lead comprehensive compensation and benefits strategies that directly impact employee experience and organizational success. You will have visibility across leadership teams and play a strategic role in attracting, retaining, and engaging talent through competitive and compliant rewards programs.
The position combines both strategic and hands-on responsibilities, making it ideal for someone who enjoys working with data, influencing decision-making, and driving program improvements. With exposure to compensation design, benefits administration, compliance, and HR systems, this role provides a well-rounded leadership opportunity within human resources.
Job Description:
The Total Rewards Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing compensation and benefits programs to ensure they are competitive, equitable, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals. This role also leverages data and HR systems to drive insights, improve processes, and enhance employee understanding of total rewards offerings.
Key Responsibilities:
Total Rewards Strategy & Administration
• Develop and execute a comprehensive total rewards strategy aligned with organizational goals
• Ensure programs are competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with applicable regulations
• Utilize HR systems and data analytics to monitor key performance indicators and recommend improvements
• Design and deliver employee communications and training related to compensation and benefits programs
• Support due diligence and integration efforts related to mergers or acquisitions
Benefits Management
• Oversee administration of health, wellness, retirement, and leave programs
• Lead annual open enrollment, including planning, communication, and implementation
• Analyze benefits utilization and costs, recommending enhancements and cost-control strategies
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, FMLA)
• Coordinate required reporting, including Forms 5500, 1094/1095, and other regulatory filings
• Manage vendor relationships and support employee inquiries and escalations
• Contribute to internal committees related to benefits and retirement plan governance
• Support and manage wellness initiatives
Compensation Management
• Design and maintain salary structures, job architecture, and pay-for-performance programs
• Lead annual compensation cycles, including merit increases and incentive plans
• Conduct market pricing and benchmarking analyses to ensure competitive positioning
• Ensure compliance with pay regulations and support pay equity initiatives
• Partner with leadership and finance on compensation planning and budgeting
• Address off-cycle compensation requests and support executive compensation programs as needed
Collaboration & Leadership
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members
• Partner with Finance and other departments to forecast and manage total rewards costs
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support organizational initiatives and continuous improvement
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required
• 8+ years of progressive experience in total rewards, including compensation and benefits program management
• Experience with both strategic program design and operational execution
Certifications (Preferred):
• CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist), or SHRM/HRCI certification
Skills & Abilities:
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of HRIS systems
• In-depth knowledge of compensation practices and benefits regulations
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrated leadership, integrity, and ability to handle confidential information
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets related to total rewards
• Ability to lead change initiatives and drive continuous improvement
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