Manager Total Rewards

We are partnering with a growing, innovation-driven organization seeking a strategic and hands-on Total Rewards Manager to lead global compensation, benefits, and payroll initiatives.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for building and optimizing total rewards programs that attract, retain, and motivate top talent. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll and benefits experience, a strategic mindset, and the ability to scale infrastructure in a fast-paced environment. Compensation expertise can be further developed — payroll and benefits depth is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute a comprehensive Total Rewards strategy aligned with company growth and talent priorities
• Lead and develop a high-performing compensation and benefits team
• Oversee payroll operations, with the ability to step in and process payroll when needed
• Manage global benefits strategy including plan design, vendor partnerships, compliance, and cost optimization
• Support executive and broad-based compensation programs, including salary structures, incentive plans, and recognition programs
• Drive pay equity analysis, internal equity reviews, and compliance with evolving pay transparency regulations
• Partner closely with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and workforce cost modeling
• Lead compensation benchmarking, survey participation, and rewards analytics
• Oversee Total Rewards systems (Workday or similar), ensuring optimization and automation
• Improve processes through technology, analytics, and innovative tools — including AI-driven enhancements
• Develop communication strategies that promote transparency and employee understanding
• Ensure compliance with domestic and international labor regulations

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of progressive experience across payroll, benefits, and total rewards
• Strong payroll and benefits background (required)
• Experience supporting compensation programs (executive compensation and equity exposure is a plus)
• Proven ability to build or scale rewards infrastructure and processes
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leadership
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism
• Certifications such as CCP, CBP, or CEBS are a plus