Total Rewards Manager - North America

We are seeking a highly capable and experienced Total Rewards Manager - North America to lead compensation, benefits, and total rewards programs for a large employee population of approximately 3,000–3,500 employees. This strategic leadership role will oversee a team of three direct reports and four indirect reports while partnering closely with U.S. headquarters, global HR leadership, business leaders, and union representatives to develop and execute competitive total rewards strategies. This is a fully remote position with the first month onsite at the corporate office. Travel to various company locations along with occasional meetings at the corporate office will be required. Candidates must currently reside in the eastern or central time zone.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in compensation and benefits administration, labor relations support, and total rewards program design within a complex organizational environment. Success in this role requires a tenacious, collaborative leader with exceptional professional maturity, strong ethical standards, patience, and the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and administration of regional compensation, benefits, and total rewards programs.
• Partner with U.S. headquarters and global HR teams to align regional total rewards strategies with broader organizational objectives.
• Manage and develop a team consisting of three direct reports and four indirect reports.
• Provide strategic compensation guidance including salary structures, incentive programs, job evaluations, market pricing, and pay equity initiatives.
• Oversee benefits programs and evaluate competitiveness, cost-effectiveness, and employee value.
• Support labor relations initiatives, including participation in collective bargaining negotiations and administration of union-related compensation and benefits provisions.
• Collaborate with business leaders to ensure total rewards programs attract, retain, and motivate top talent.
• Analyze market trends, compensation surveys, and industry benchmarks to recommend program enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and labor-related regulations governing compensation and benefits practices.
• Prepare and present compensation and benefits recommendations to senior leadership.
• Develop metrics and reporting to evaluate the effectiveness of total rewards programs and support data-driven decision-making.
• Lead annual compensation planning processes including merit increases, incentive planning, and salary review cycles.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance employee experience and operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in compensation, total rewards, or related HR disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading compensation and benefits programs within a complex organizational environment.
• Experience supporting or participating in union contract negotiations and labor relations activities.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing professional teams.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders, HR business partners, and cross-functional stakeholders.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Professional certifications strongly preferred, including one or more of the following: Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)

Desired Leadership Characteristics

• Tenacious and results-oriented.
• Strong collaborator capable of building partnerships across regional, corporate, and global teams.
• High level of professional maturity and sound judgment.
• Demonstrates a strong ethical compass and commitment to integrity.
• Patient and effective coach who develops team members.
• Leads by example and fosters accountability.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.

Travel

• Approximately 6-8 trips per year based on business needs.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary range of $185,000 - $190,000 plus up to 25% bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k, etc.)
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• A collaborative and high-performance work environment
• Fully remote work

Why Join Us?

This is an outstanding opportunity to play a strategic leadership role in shaping total rewards programs for a significant employee population while partnering with both regional and global stakeholders. The position offers meaningful influence, leadership responsibility, and the ability to drive programs that directly impact employee engagement, retention, and organizational success.