Director Total Rewards (Chicago)

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Director of Total Rewards to lead the design, implementation, and management of their global compensation, benefits, and recognition programs. This role requires a deep understanding of the global business environment, executive compensation, and cross-cultural workforce dynamics. The Senior Director will partner closely with senior leadership and work directly with the Board of Directors to align their total rewards strategy with the company’s overall business goals, values, and culture.

Reporting to a Chief Human Resources Officer, this leadership role will provide direction and support across the global workforce to ensure the compensation and benefits offerings are competitive, equitable, and compliant with local regulations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and implementing global total rewards strategies, along with significant experience working with Boards of Directors on strategic compensation matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the company’s global compensation and benefits strategy, ensuring it is aligned with the organization’s business objectives, culture, and talent needs.
• Design and implement comprehensive global compensation structures, bonus/incentive programs, equity plans, and benefits offerings to attract, retain, and motivate top talent at all levels of the organization.
• Lead compensation benchmarking, market analysis, and pay equity initiatives across different regions and countries, ensuring competitiveness and internal equity.

Executive Compensation & Board Relations

• Partner with the Board of Directors and executive leadership team to design and review executive compensation plans, ensuring alignment with shareholder interests and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare compensation recommendations for the Board, including incentive plans and other forms of equity-based compensation.
• Present compensation and benefits strategies to the Board and relevant committees, providing data-driven insights and recommendations to inform decision-making.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and ongoing management of global employee benefit programs, including health, wellness, retirement, and work-life balance initiatives.
• Evaluate and introduce innovative benefits solutions to enhance employee experience and improve retention across diverse regions.
• Ensure compliance with global and regional regulatory requirements, including tax laws and labor laws, as they pertain to employee benefits.

Performance Management & Incentive Programs

• Develop and manage global incentive programs, ensuring they align with the company’s goals, performance expectations, and culture.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of reward programs, making adjustments as necessary based on business needs and feedback.
• Advise senior leadership on market trends, best practices, and industry benchmarks to ensure competitiveness of reward offerings.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Collaborate with senior leadership, including the CHRO, CEO, CFO, and BOD to ensure that total rewards programs align with broader organizational goals and financial targets.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance to HR Business Partners, Legal, Finance, and other stakeholders on total rewards issues, including compliance and tax-related matters.
• Foster strong relationships across the organization to effectively communicate total rewards strategies and programs to employees at all levels.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing global total rewards team, providing coaching, mentoring, and career development opportunities.
• Ensure that team members are equipped with the tools, resources, and training needed to execute their responsibilities effectively.
• Drive continuous improvement within the Total Rewards function through innovation and process optimization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field (Masters/MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• Experience leading rewards for both exempt and non-exempt workforces
• Progressive experience in total rewards, with a focus on compensation, benefits, and executive compensation at a global level.
• Significant experience working with senior leadership and Boards of Directors.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and manage complex global compensation and benefits programs.
• Expertise in regulatory and tax compliance related to compensation and benefits, both domestic and international.
• Strong executive presence and ability to communicate effectively with Boards, senior executives, and other stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of global compensation trends, practices, and laws.
• Ability to analyze complex data and provide actionable insights to senior leadership and the Board.
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate ambiguity in a global environment.
• High level of integrity, with a deep commitment to equity and fairness in compensation and benefits practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), CTRS (Certified Total Rewards Specialist) or other relevant credentials.