Total Rewards Leader

Help Shape the Workforce Behind Discovery and Innovation Brookhaven National Laboratory brings together scientists, engineers, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, operational staff, and professionals from a wide range of disciplines to advance discovery, innovation, and operational excellence. From world‑leading scientific research and advanced technology development to the management of large‑scale facilities and critical infrastructure, Brookhaven's success depends on attracting, retaining, and engaging exceptional talent. Partner with the Human Resources Leadership Team Serve as a member of the Human Resources Leadership Team reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer. The Manager of Total Rewards plays a pivotal role in designing and executing compensation, benefits, well‑being, and recognition strategies that support a highly skilled workforce spanning research, operations, and administration. This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished compensation and benefits leader to influence enterprise‑wide strategy within a complex and mission‑driven organization. The successful candidate will lead a talented team of approximately 15 professionals and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all aspects of Total Rewards. Why This Role Matters At Brookhaven, Total Rewards is more than compensation and benefits—it is a strategic lever for attracting and retaining the talent that enables the Laboratory's mission. Our workforce includes internationally recognized researchers, engineers, postdoctoral scientists, skilled trades professionals, union‑represented employees, technicians, operations staff, and administrative professionals, each playing an essential role in the Laboratory's success. As Manager of Total Rewards, you will help shape the employee experience across a workforce spanning research, operations, and administration by leading programs that support attraction, retention, engagement, and organizational effectiveness. Your work will directly influence Brookhaven's ability to compete for talent, support employee well‑being, and maintain compliance within a highly regulated environment. This role offers the opportunity to partner with senior leaders across the organization, lead significant strategic initiatives, and drive programs that have a meaningful impact on employees and the Laboratory's long‑term success. What You'll Do Lead Total Rewards Strategy Develop and execute a comprehensive compensation and benefits strategy aligned with Brookhaven's mission, workforce needs, and long‑term organizational objectives to attract, retain, and engage talent. Collaborate with the CHRO and senior leadership to align Total Rewards strategies with organizational objectives by providing strategic, data‑driven counsel and recommendations on compensation and benefits trends, emerging workforce practices, regulatory developments, market intelligence, and organizational opportunities and challenges. Work closely with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, and organizational leaders to lead job evaluation, market pricing, assessments, benchmarking, and compensation analyses that ensure programs remain competitive, equitable, and aligned with organizational objectives. Partner with HR colleagues, Legal, and organizational leadership to ensure compensation and benefits programs comply with Department of Energy contractual requirements and applicable federal and state regulations, serving as a primary representative during audits, reviews, and inquiries conducted by DOE and other oversight agencies. Drive Compensation Excellence Provide strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the Laboratory's salary review process, partnering closely with leaders who share responsibilities in the process (e.g., Laboratory senior leaders, Chief HR Officer, HRIS, Deployed HR teams). Conduct and oversee internal compensation reviews and audits to ensure consistency, competitiveness, compliance, and alignment with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. Lead and Inspire a High-Performing Team Lead and develop a high‑performing team by providing clear direction, mentorship, and growth opportunities, while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Use metrics, workforce data, and analytics to evaluate program effectiveness, measure outcomes, and inform strategic decision‑making. Provide leadership oversight for the team responsible for the administration of employee leave, absence management, and related benefits programs. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance or related field. Masters preferred. Ten (10) or more years of progressive Total Rewards experience, with deep expertise in compensation strategy, job architecture, market benchmarking, pay program design, and executive consultation. Benefits leadership experience is desirable. Demonstrated ability to successfully scale programs and practices to meet the needs of organizations with comparable workforce size and operational complexity. Strong analytical, compliance, vendor management, and stakeholder management capabilities. Demonstrated ability to lead at a strategic level, navigate high‑visibility environments, and engage effectively with stakeholders and oversight bodies. Experience conducting comprehensive needs and/or effectiveness assessment for compensation and/or benefits programs, developing proposals, and implementing notable program enhancements with tangible results. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels. Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and effectively communicate insights. Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to HR industry practices and pertaining to compensation and benefits (e.g., ACA, FLSA, OFCCP, EEOC, DFEH). Proficiency with HR systems and tools including HCMS (preferably Workday), Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Preferred Skills / Knowledge Experience in a scientific, research, government contracting, or other highly regulated environment. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and/or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation. Experience supporting both union‑represented and non‑represented employee populations. **This role is onsite/hybrid – 4 days onsite and one day remote** Join Brookhaven This is an opportunity for an experienced Total Rewards leader to apply strategic expertise in a complex and dynamic environment where the workforce spans research, operations, and administration. You will lead a talented team, advise senior leadership, and help shape programs that support employees across every part of the Laboratory – from research and engineering to operations and administration. If you are energized by solving complex workforce challenges, leading meaningful changes, and building programs that help organizations thrive, we encourage you to apply. At Brookhaven National Laboratory, your work will help create an employee experience that enables innovation, operational excellence, and breakthrough achievements across the organization. Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable, and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $184,400‑$306,100 per year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education, and experience and considered with the internal peer group. Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer – Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Brookhaven National Laboratory