Director, Comp & Benefits/Total Rewards

California Water ServiceJob Description:California Water Service Group, a prominent publicly traded utilities company, is seeking an accomplished and strategic-minded Director of Compensation & Benefits/Total Rewards to join its HR team. California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) is the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States, providing high-quality water and wastewater services to more than two million people through four regulated subsidiaries: California Water Service (Cal Water), Hawaii Water Service (Hawaii Water), New Mexico Water Service (New Mexico Water), Washington Water Service (Washington Water), and growing. We are committed to improving the quality of life for our customers, communities, employees, and stockholders. We do this by living our core values and delivering on our promise to provide quality, service, and value.The Director of Compensation & Benefits/Total Rewards serves as a key member of the senior HR leadership team working collaboratively with the Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer, the Chaiman & Chief Executive Officer, and peers to establish HR strategy supporting the overall business, respond to issues, and enhance the HR function. The Director of Compensation & Benefits/Total Rewards is responsible for overseeing, evaluating, developing, and implementing benefit, compensation, and rewards programs; providing strategic direction in total rewards philosophy and developing initiatives, processes, and operational plans. This position is located in San Jose, California.Essential Job FunctionsDevelops, executes, and communicates key benefits and compensation programs including compensation, health and wellness, retirement, workers compensation, and leaves of absence plansEnsures benefit programs support the Company’s strategic objectives and are cost effective; recommends changes and improvements to benefits and compensation plansLeads, develops, and mentors staff, fostering their growth and development, and ensuring they provide high-quality support to the organizationDirect and oversees analysis of market data, updating of salary structures, and participation in salary surveysOversees merit increase and incentive/at risk pay programs, including merit budget analysis and recommendationsSupports union wage and benefit negotiations for contract renewals or newly created/bargained positionsSupports preparation of annual proxy disclosuresSupports the CHRO, Chief Executive Officer, and the Organization and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors with analysis and review of executive compensation data/materialsManages the relationship and performance of brokers, consultants, vendors, and contractorsSupport the Employee Benefits Finance Committee in the fulfillment of its responsibilitiesOversees all benefits related compliance matters including, Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), and other federal laws and regulations impacting benefits; regulatory filings, and plan auditsCritical Success Factors in Year OneConduct a holistic review of current compensation and benefits programs and recommend enhancements to align with California Water Service Group’s strategic directionEstablish strong relationships with senior leadership, HR partners, and key stakeholders to foster collaboration and ensure the effectiveness of total rewards programsSuccessfully support union negotiations related to compensation and benefits while aligning union strategies with the overall business objectivesDevelop a long-term roadmap for total rewards that includes competitive benchmarking, cost control, and employee engagement strategiesExperience and Professional QualificationsSignificant experience leading a compensation/benefits organization for a medium to large size organization in the private or public sector, with an emphasis on delivering excellent customer serviceFive or more years of progressive experience in a management capacity, prior experience as a Human Resources Manager or Business Partner, preferredDemonstrated ability to evaluate, design and implement total rewards programs based on market assessment and business strategyStrong team building and change management skills; ability to engage various audiences and cultivate effective relationships at all levels of employees and managementStrong communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills to work with agencies, contractors, consultants, customers, employees, and vendorsExpert analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, draw insights, and make data-driven recommendationsDetail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and integrityExtensive knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations and legislationHigh degree of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalismProficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and complex software applications, including WorkdayHands-on, Classification, Job Architecture, and Compensation design and benchmarking; ideally applicable for utility environmentPrefer experience with Pension administration, multi-state Payroll, , Union relations, Utility industryEducationBachelor’s degree in business administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field and/or equivalent relevant experience required; MBA preferredSalary Range: $190,000 - $250,000Deadline to submit resume is Wednesday, October 21, 2026The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company and Washington Water Service Company do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIESSummaryLocation: San Jose, CAType: Full time