What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Rewards position at Amerantbank?
The Head of Rewards leads the strategy, design, governance, and execution of all compensation, benefits, and reward programs across the Bank and its subsidiaries. This leader ensures the bank’s total rewards offerings are competitive, cost effective, compliant with regulatory requirements, and aligned with business goals. The role partners closely with executive leadership, the Compensation and Human Committee of the Board, Finance, Risk, and HR Business Partners to support a high-performance culture and attract, retain, and motivate top talent. '
Responsibilities:
Compensation Strategy and Governance
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive total rewards strategy aligned with the Bank’s business objectives, talent needs, and market positioning.
- Lead the design and administration of base pay, incentive compensation, executive compensation, and sales compensation programs, including financial advisors.
- Support the Compensation & Human Capital Committee (C&HC) by preparing materials, presenting recommendations, and ensuring alignment with shareholder expectations and regulatory standards.
- Oversee annual compensation cycles, including market benchmarking, salary planning, incentive design, and pay-for- performance calibration.
- Ensure compliance with banking regulations, including SEC disclosure requirements, SOX, DoddFrank, pay equity laws, and internal risk frameworks.
- Develop, design, and administer the organization’s salary structure ensuring internal equity and external competitiveness.
- Develop the annual merit matrix for salary increases in alignment with the budget and market trends.
People Expenses Planning and Budgeting
- Coordinate and oversee the development of team members' related expenses budget for the bank.
- Perform budget revisions and periodic monitoring actions of team members' related expenses.
- Participate in or lead, as appropriate, the detection, analysis and implementation of team member's expenses decisions.
- Recommend and measure cost saving initiatives.
Benefits and Wellbeing
- Lead the strategy, design, and administration of health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) wellbeing programs, and leave policies.
- Evaluate and optimize vendor relationships, plan performance, and cost structures.
- Ensure benefits programs support employee wellbeing, financial security, and competitive differentiation.
Executive Compensation
- Partner with Legal, Finance, and external advisors to manage executive compensation programs, including equity plans, short and long-term incentives, and deferred compensation.
- Oversee preparation of CD&A and other proxy related disclosures.
- Support shareholder engagement and governance best practices.
Analytics, Insights & Operations
- Build a strong analytics capability to provide insights on compensation competitiveness, pay equity, workforce cost trends, and program effectiveness.
- Oversee job architecture, market pricing, and compensation frameworks to ensure consistency and transparency.
- Implement and optimize HR technology supporting compensation and benefits administration.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead and develop a high-performing Rewards team.
- Partner with HR Business Partners and business leaders to advise on compensation decisions, organizational design, and talent strategies.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all matters related to rewards, recognition, and workforce cost management.
Work Experience:
- 10 years of progressive experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards.
- 5 years of experience in a leadership role.
- 5 years of experience in a compensation leadership role from a publicly traded company.
- Financial Services background preferred.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree and/or certifications (CECP, CCP, CBP) preferred.
Technical Knowledge:
- Applied knowledge of compensation and benefits regulations, including SEC, IRS, ERISA, and banking specific requirements.
- Ability to apply Korn Ferry/Hay Job Evaluation Methodology (preferred).
- Strong analytical skills and financial acumen, with experience presenting to executive leadership and Boards.
- Proven ability to design and implement scalable, equitable, and competitive reward programs.
- Exceptional communication, influencing, and relationship building skills.
- Proficient using ADP Workforce Now-Compensation and Performance Modules (preferred)
- Proficient using the Microsoft office Product Suite including MS Outlook, Internet, MS Word, MS Excel Advanced Level, MS PowerPoint Advanced Level.