Sr. Manager, Total Rewards (UKG)

Chicago - MerchandiseMart Blommer Chocolate Company (Headquarters) 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 626 Chicago, IL 606541339, USA Chicago - MerchandiseMart Blommer Chocolate Company (Headquarters) 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 626 Chicago, IL 606541339, USA Blommer has been providing delicious, high-quality chocolate and cocoa products to customers since 1939. Built as a family business, we are continuing to grow and are looking for motivated and reliable associates to help in our mission of Bringing Chocolate to Life! Essential Duties and Responsibilities Design and implement compensation and benefits programs that attract, retain, and motivate talent Ensure alignment with business strategy, market competitiveness, and internal equity Lead development of job architecture, salary structures, and incentive programs Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on total rewards philosophy and decisions Compensation Lead annual compensation cycles (merit, promotions, bonuses) Conduct market benchmarking and pay analyses Ensure pay-for-performance alignment and regulatory compliance (FLSA, etc.) Partner with Finance on workforce planning, budgeting, and accruals Oversee health, welfare, and retirement programs across the U.S. and Canada Lead vendor strategy, renewals, and negotiations to balance cost and competitiveness Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA) Guide benefits communication and employee education through HR partners Payroll Oversee end-to-end payroll operations for a multi-state and cross-border workforce Ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing, including year-end reporting (W-2, T4) Partner with Finance on payroll accounting, audits, and reconciliations Drive process improvements and system optimization HR Systems & Analytics Provide oversight of HRIS strategy and operations (UKG) through the HRIS Manager Enable seamless integration between HIRS and various payroll and benefits vendor and partner systems Ensure data integrity, reporting accuracy, and system optimization Continuously improve benefits systems, reporting, and employee self-service through automation and AI-enabled solutions that reduce operational friction. Deliver workforce analytics (headcount, attrition, compensation insights) to inform decision-making Compliance & Governance Ensure compliance with compensation, payroll, and benefits regulations in all jurisdictions Establish and maintain internal controls and audit readiness Monitor regulatory changes and adjust programs accordingly Lead and develop the Total Rewards team: HRIS Manager Payroll Specialist Benefits Specialist Foster a high-performing, service-oriented team Provide coaching, prioritization, and execution support across functional areas Physical Requirements General office environment with majority of time working on a computer and prolonged periods of sitting. Regular exposure to the plant floor, including exposure to noise, dust, and variation in temperature (hot/cold). Expected to travel up to 25% of the time to visit plants in US and Canada, as required. Safety, Quality and Hygiene Requirements Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures, and code of conduct. Comply with workplace uniform requirements and safety gear, when on the plant floor versus in the office. Performance Expectations Ability to design compensation and benefit programs which balance employee engagement/needs, cost effectiveness, and legal requirements. Exemplify outstanding customer service skills, interpersonal skills and ability to interact with all levels. Demonstrate solid project management, communication and change management skills. Influence stakeholders to accomplish goals on-time and within budget. Demonstrate a strong commitment to service and accountability. Convey a positive attitude, embrace change and possess a sense of curiosity in learning new roles and responsibilities. Leadership and engagement of team to achieve performance expectations. Act with integrity, professionalism, confidentiality. Promote a positive attitude and a sense of curiosity in learning new roles and responsibilities. Instill a culture of leadership and engagement of team to achieve performance expectations. Skills and Work Experience Requirements 8+ years of progressive HR experience, including leadership in total rewards Experience with UKG required Deep expertise in compensation, benefits, and payroll administration Experience supporting multi-state U.S. and Canadian operations preferred Background in manufacturing, CPG, or similar environments preferred Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities Knowledge of relevant regulations (ERISA, ACA, FLSA, COBRA, HIPAA, Canadian payroll/benefits) Ability to influence leaders and communicate complex information clearly Strong project management and organizational skills Education Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field required; Master’s preferred Leaders are encouraged to express interest in internal career opportunities throughout the organization Expectations for promotion or job change will be driven by individual performance, business growth and future needs. A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at the time of posting is below. The base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. The actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, education, certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position. This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance). Salary Range:155K-175K Benefits: Blommer understands that our employees are our biggest assets. With this in mind we offer a generous benefits package. Health, Dental & Vision- eligibility begins day 1 of hire! 10 pounds of free chocolate for your birthday Blommer Chocolate Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Blommer Chocolate Company