Head of Total Rewards

Work Location: Chicago


Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.


Want to make an impact?


As Head of Total Rewards, you will be the enterprise leader who sets the direction , leads from the front , and raises organizational capability in how we reward our people. This role goes beyond program ownership-you will actively shape Total Rewards strategy alongside (and at times ahead of) HR Business Partners and business leaders. Your impact will be felt through strong leadership behaviors, disciplined compensation governance, deep technical expertise, and the ability to educate and influence leaders across a global, manufacturing-focused organization.

This role reports to the Chief People and Organization Officer and will manage a team in North America while building meaningful connections across the Ferrero ecosystem and acquired companies.

This role will be based at our Corporate Headquarters in downtown Chicago, IL.

Ways you will make a difference


1. Lead the Total Rewards strategy with authority and influence

• Drive the Total Rewards agenda in close partnership with the CPO, HRBPs, and senior business leaders-acting as a proactive thought partner, not a downstream service provider
• Take an active posture with business leaders and HRBPs in defining, explaining, and defending job grading and compensation principles based on the selected methodology (Korn Ferry / Hay)
• Educate, upskill, and coach people managers and HR partners on compensation philosophy, job architecture, pay decisions, and the full suite of benefits
• Serve as the organization’s primary voice and subject-matter authority on Total Rewards strategy, trade-offs, and decision-making

2. Apply deep technical compensation expertise in complex environments

• Design and oversee compensation programs supporting Manufacturing & Corporate environments, including hourly and salaried populations
• Lead compensation strategy for international operations, including expatriation, mobility frameworks, and country-specific practices
• Guide executive, incentive, and broad-based compensation programs to ensure alignment with performance, affordability, and market competitiveness

3. Establish rigorous governance and applied methodologies

• Own and institutionalize compensation governance, ensuring consistent application of job evaluation, grading, and pay decisions
• Lead the implementation and ongoing use of Korn Ferry / Hay job evaluation methodology, ensuring integrity, consistency, and transparency across the organization
• Partner with HRBPs to resolve complex role evaluation, leveling, and pay equity issues with credibility and confidence
• Ensure compliance with global compensation regulations, pay transparency requirements, and internal controls

4. Oversee benefits strategy that complements compensation philosophy

• Lead benefits strategy and design to ensure programs are competitive, sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with employee needs
• Balance cost management with employee experience, wellbeing, and engagement outcomes
• Ensure benefits programs integrate seamlessly with compensation and Total Rewards messaging

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong leadership presence with the confidence to lead strategy, challenge assumptions, and influence senior stakeholders
• Effective collaboration techniques working with teams across geographies and acquired organizations in a multi-national company
• Proven ability to educate and elevate HRBPs and people managers on compensation and benefits topics
• Deep technical compensation expertise, particularly in manufacturing, international, and expatriate contexts
• Mastery of job architecture, grading, and evaluation methodologies (Korn Ferry / Hay)
• High analytical capability paired with the ability to clearly explain complex concepts to non-experts
• Sound judgment, integrity, and a disciplined approach to governance and consistency
• Effective people leadership skills with a track record of building strong, credible teams

Experiences that will support your success

• 12+ years of progressive Total Rewards experience, including enterprise-level leadership responsibility that includes managing high-performing teams
• Demonstrated success leading compensation strategy in manufacturing and global environments
• Hands-on experience implementing and operating Korn Ferry / Hay job evaluation methodologies
• Experience partnering closely with HRBPs and senior business leaders in fast-moving, complex organizations
• Exposure to executive compensation, incentive plans, and international rewards practices
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree and/or certifications (CCP, CBP, GRP) strongly preferred.

What We Offer


At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at


Compensation


The salary range for this role is $162,975 - 228,115 annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago