Manager Total Rewards

The Manager of Total Rewards (CoE) is a strategic leader responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously refining a comprehensive total rewards strategy that supports the organization's goals and objectives. This role will lead and manage compensation and benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive, sustainable, scalable, and have a strong focus on attracting, retaining, and motivating top talent. The position will involve data-driven decision-making, stakeholder collaboration, and oversight of reward policies, with an emphasis on benchmarking and global compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Total Rewards Strategy & Design

• Develop and execute a comprehensive total rewards strategy (compensation, benefits, recognition, well-being) aligned with the organization's mission, values, and goals.
• Establish and refine total rewards frameworks, leveraging market data to support competitive positioning while managing internal equity.
• Drive compensation and benefits programs for both direct and indirect labor, with a focus on scalability and compliance with global standards.

Compensation Management

• Oversee the annual compensation cycle, including salary planning, merit increases, promotions, and adjustments.
• Lead market benchmarking processes by partnering with external vendors (e.g., AON, Mercer, Willis Towers Watson) to assess competitive positioning.
• Conduct pay equity and gap analyses, making recommendations for adjustments to maintain equitable compensation practices.

Benefits Administration & Enhancement

• Drive the design and execution of health, wellness, retirement, and other employee benefit programs to ensure offerings are relevant and competitive.
• Lead benefits renewal processes and vendor negotiations, aiming to enhance the employee experience while managing costs.
• Conduct benefits utilization reviews and annual benefits sessions to educate employees and promote awareness.

Performance & Recognition Programs

• Develop performance and recognition programs that support a high-performance culture.
• Align recognition initiatives with the company's values to foster engagement and drive performance.
• Assess and adjust programs based on employee feedback and industry trends.

Policy Development & Governance

• Create and manage compensation, benefits, and recognition policies to ensure clarity and alignment with company values and regulatory standards.
• Lead compliance efforts with local, state, and federal regulations, along with global standards for international employees.

Data Analysis & Insights

• Leverage data analytics to monitor the effectiveness of total rewards programs, making recommendations based on insights.
• Prepare executive-level reports and presentations on total rewards metrics, ensuring alignment with business goals.

M&A Due Diligence

• Lead the total rewards workstream during M&A due diligence.
• Assess and analyze compensation structures, benefits plans, equity programs, and retirement schemes of target companies.
• Identify risks, liabilities, and cost implications associated with rewards programs.
• Provide total rewards input into purchase agreements, transition service agreements, and offer structures.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with HR, finance, and business leaders to ensure alignment on total rewards initiatives.
• Provide guidance and support to Talent Acquisition for competitive compensation structures for new hires, including campus recruitment and internships.
• Leadership & Team Management
• Lead and develop a team (direct or dotted line) responsible for total rewards initiatives, ensuring their growth and alignment with company values.
• Foster a collaborative environment with a focus on knowledge-sharing, process improvement, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

Experience: 7- 10 years in total rewards, compensation, and benefits, with at least 3+ years in a leadership or CoE role within a medium to large organization.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CCP, CEBS) are preferred.

Skills:

• Strong expertise in compensation frameworks, benefits management, and total rewards benchmarking.
• Proficient in working with HR systems (Workday, SAP, Oracle, etc.) and data analysis tools.
• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage with executives and stakeholders effectively.
• Experience in managing teams or dotted line reports, with strong leadership capabilities.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience in data-driven decision-making.
• Comfortable with navigating ambiguity and leading through change.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace aligned with company values.