Total Rewards Manager

General Purpose The Total Rewards Manager is responsible for completing assigned tasks. There is an expectation that the Total Rewards Manager could be involved in more complex engagements and if so, will have the opportunity to work towards gaining greater industry knowledge The Total Rewards Manager is responsible for leading the design, implementation, administration, communication, and ongoing evaluation of the Firm’s compensation and benefits programs, policies, and procedures. This role collaborates closely with HR, Finance, and Firm Leadership to ensure Total Rewards programs support the Firm’s strategic objectives and organizational culture. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong project management skills, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential information. Success in this role also requires a proactive, solution-oriented mindset and a passion for continuous learning in a dynamic, hands-on environment. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Benefits and Wellness Manage and administer all employee benefit plans, serving as a subject matter expert in the development, recommendation, and implementation of new or modified offerings. Coordinate day-to-day benefits administration, including enrollments, terminations, changes, COBRA, beneficiaries, disability and life claims, and 401(k) transactions. Ensure benefit programs align with business objectives and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, including reporting, disclosures, and annual testing. Review and verify monthly premium invoices for group insurance plans; resolve billing or administrative issues with carriers. Lead benefits orientations and support employees in using self-service enrollment systems. Manage annual open enrollment, including planning, communications, and execution. Collaborate with external broker partners to provide accurate and timely employee census data required for the renewal and evaluation of benefits products. Maintain and update all benefits documentation, including policies and summary plan descriptions. Create and distribute benefits communications, such as training materials, online toolkits, and informational sessions. Support 401(k) plan administration, including enrollments, rollovers, distributions, year-end reporting, and audits. In coordination with the Finance team, ensure completion of the annual workers' compensation audit, ensuring timely submission of required documentation, accurate reporting of payroll data, and compliance with state and carrier requirements. Manage compliance documentation for new hires and terminating employees, including completion and distribution of required state unemployment forms, benefit conversion notices, and other legally mandated employment paperwork. Oversee the education reimbursement program by assisting employees in obtaining necessary approval signatures and coordinating with Partners and Payroll to ensure timely and accurate reimbursement of approved education expenses. Working in conjunction with the Benefits & Leave Administrator, administer all leave of absence programs, including Parental and State Paid leaves, ensuring accurate tracking and coordination with Payroll. Serve as the primary contact for employee benefit inquiries, escalating and resolving issues with vendors as needed. Assist in budgeting and cost analysis for medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and wellness programs. Coordinate with Payroll and external administrators to ensure accurate benefit deductions and data integrity. Audit benefit invoices against payroll charges to ensure consistency and accuracy. Provide guidance to the HR team on benefits and compensation matters. Gather employee feedback and conduct research to recommend enhancements to total rewards programs. Prepare the annual firm-paid holiday schedule. Coordinate with the COBRA vendor to administer required reporting for new hires and departing employees, ensuring timely and compliant processing of all documentation. Maintain up-to-date benefit information on the company’s intranet and HRIS. Plan and execute wellness initiatives and educational events. Stay current on trends, best practices, and regulatory changes in benefits and compensation. Compensation Oversee key compensation processes, including participation in salary surveys, job evaluations, and the development and maintenance of salary structures. Manage base pay administration and salary planning, with a strong focus on the design, implementation, and analysis of incentive plans to ensure alignment with business objectives and market competitiveness. Monitor employee change action requests to ensure promotions and status changes are accurate and up to date. Manage the annual merit and bonus process by preparing and distributing informational spreadsheets to leadership for review and analysis. Schedule and participate in merit review meetings, capturing detailed and accurate notes. Ensure timely completion of the process and coordinate with Payroll to apply approved merit and bonus changes in accordance with their effective dates. Update salary and bonus information in the HRIS and other relevant benefits systems. Coordinate timely communication of merit and bonus changes to employees, including the preparation and distribution of salary increase letters as needed. Monitor and research compensation and benefits trends; provide current market data and insights to department leaders and the staff compensation committee. Ensure all pay practices are compliant with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. General Adheres to the highest degree of professional standards and strict client confidentiality. Anticipates and addresses client concerns. Escalates and resolves most problems as they arise. Maintains a current knowledge of industry practices and ensures best practices are always considered. Develops long-term relationships and networks both internally and externally. Continuous effort toward professional development, including continuing education, attending training seminars and networking events. Practices regular and predictable attendance. Communicates when that attendance will be disrupted in a reasonable time. Performs other duties as assigned. Job Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Highly analytical and detailed oriented. Values diversity of perspective and is open to new ideas and approaches. Excellent time management skills with proven ability to maintain quality and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently, be flexible and demonstrate high degree of confidentiality. Operates with a “service oriented” mindset; demonstrates initiative and desire to assist others. Ability to follow all Richey May policies, procedures, standards, specifications, and guidelines. Ability to actively participate in and attend employee meetings. Ability to promote, work, and act in a manner consistent with the mission of Richey May. Ability to communicate and collaborate with team members to ensure superior results and team success. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrates leadership and mentoring capabilities. Technical Competency: Advanced Microsoft Office Demonstrates proactive career development. Education or Formal Training Bachelors in Human Resources, Business or Related Field. Experience Minimum of 7 years of relevant HR experience, specifically in managing benefits and compensation functions. Industry experience strongly preferred. Additional Requirements/Licenses/Certifications PHR, SHRM-CP, CCP, CBP or CEBS certification preferred. Candidates must pass a criminal background check. Working Conditions Working Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel to conferences, meetings, and client sites may be necessary. Physical Activities The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gilder Search Group