Total Rewards Manager

The Opportunity

Position: Total Rewards Manager

Location: Shawnee, KS

Reporting Relationship: Reports to Director of HR Operations

Direct Reports: 2 (Compensation and Benefits Manager and Payroll Coordinator)

Purpose of the Position

The Total Rewards Leader is a strategic leader responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the organization's total rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, payroll, and recognition programs. This role ensures that all programs are aligned with the company’s compensation philosophy, support business goals, promote internal equity, and comply with all relevant laws and regulations. The role is critical to maintaining a competitive edge in talent attraction and retention, driving transparency, and fostering a culture of equity and accountability.

The Total Rewards role leads the Compensation and Benefits Manager and Payroll Coordinator and works in close partnership with HR Business Partners and senior leadership to advise on pay decisions, reward strategies, and benefit offerings. This role requires a deep understanding of compensation structures, executive compensation, pay equity, payroll administration, and benefits design.

Key Responsibilities

Compensation Strategy & Administration

• Design, manage, and evolve the organization’s compensation philosophy and framework.
• Lead compensation practices including new hire offers, promotions, job architecture, and salary range development.
• Conduct internal equity and market analyses; recommend adjustments.
• Provide strategic oversight for executive compensation matters.
• Ensure compliance with compensation-related policies and regulations.
• Deliver training on compensation philosophy and pay decision-making.
• Partner with HRBPs to support compensation conversations.

Total Rewards & Recognition

• Design and implement bonus programs including annual bonuses, sales incentives, and spot recognition.
• Analyze incentive effectiveness and ROI.
• Collaborate with Finance on compensation planning and budgeting.

Benefits Strategy & Oversight

• Oversee benefits strategy and administration (health, retirement, wellness, voluntary benefits).
• Manage broker relationships to ensure competitive offerings.
• Ensure compliance with ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA, etc.

Payroll Oversight

• Provide strategic and operational guidance to Payroll Coordinator.
• Ensure accurate payroll processing and compliance.
• Partner with Finance for reconciliation and audit alignment.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop a small team of rewards professionals.
• Serve as the primary contact for total rewards matters.
• Collaborate on organizational design, workforce planning, and engagement.
• Present strategies and insights to senior leadership.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field (Master’s or certifications preferred).
• 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, with 5 years in compensation and benefits leadership.
• Experience managing payroll operations and compliance.
• Proven experience with compensation programs and executive pay plans.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Advanced Excel and HRIS proficiency.
• High discretion with sensitive information.
• Strong project management and strategic execution abilities.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.