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Compensation and Benefits Managers

Overview

Compensation and Benefits Managers design and manage how companies pay their employees and what benefits they offer, like health insurance and retirement plans. They research what other companies pay for similar jobs, work with insurance companies and investment firms, and make sure everything follows government rules. Using HR software and data analysis tools, they create fair pay structures and communicate these programs to employees. This career typically requires a business or human resources degree and offers opportunities to work in various industries with hybrid work options.
Compensation and Benefits Managers

Did you know?

Must stay current with complex federal and state compensation laws including FLSA, Equal Pay Act, and ERISA to ensure all rewards programs meet legal requirements.

At a Glance

Median Wage

$130,890 Avg/yr

Growth

Stable

Top Skill

Troubleshooting

Key Responsibilities

  • Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees by working with brokers and researching benefits issues.
  • Contract with vendors to provide employee services, such as food services, transportation, or relocation service.
  • Prepare detailed job descriptions and classification systems and define job levels and families, in partnership with other managers.
  • Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies.
  • Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
  • Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate work activities of subordinates and staff relating to employment, compensation, labor relations, and employee relations.
  • Analyze compensation policies, government regulations, and prevailing wage rates to develop competitive compensation plan.
  • Represent organization at personnel-related hearings and investigations.
  • Mediate between benefits providers and employees, such as by assisting in handling employees' benefits-related questions or taking suggestions.
  • Advise management on such matters as equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment, and discrimination.
  • Negotiate bargaining agreements.
  • Formulate policies, procedures and programs for recruitment, testing, placement, classification, orientation, benefits and compensation, and labor and industrial relations.
  • Study legislation, arbitration decisions, and collective bargaining contracts to assess industry trends.
  • Develop methods to improve employment policies, processes, and practices, and recommend changes to management.
  • Prepare personnel forecasts to project employment needs.
  • Prepare budgets for personnel operations.
  • Analyze statistical data and reports to identify and determine causes of personnel problems, and develop recommendations for improvement of organization's personnel policies and practices.
  • Maintain records and compile statistical reports concerning personnel-related data, such as hires, transfers, performance appraisals, and absenteeism rates.
  • Plan and conduct new-employee orientations to foster positive attitude toward organizational objectives.
  • Administer, direct, and review employee benefit programs, including the integration of benefit programs following mergers and acquisitions.
  • Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.
  • Manage the design and development of tools to assist employees in benefits selection, and to guide managers through compensation decisions.

Career Considerations

Regulatory Compliance Knowledge

Must stay current with complex federal and state compensation laws including FLSA, Equal Pay Act, and ERISA to ensure all rewards programs meet legal requirements.

Market Competitiveness Analysis

Requires continuous benchmarking against industry standards and competitor offerings to design attractive packages that help organizations win the talent war in America's competitive job market.

Technology and Data Analytics Proficiency

Must be skilled in HR technology platforms and data analysis tools to design, implement, and measure the effectiveness of modern rewards programs in the digital-first American workplace.

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BETA
New York

25 Kent Ave, Suite 401
Brooklyn, NY
11249


North Carolina

204 N Person
Street. Raleigh, NC
27601

Australia

Level 4/80
Wentworth Ave,
Surry Hills,
Sydney, 2010