Total Awards Manager

Total Rewards Manager:

7-10yrs

Bangalore

Job Overview

The Manager of Total Rewards (CoE) is a strategic leader responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously refining a comprehensive total rewards strategy that supports the organization's goals and objectives. This role will lead and manage compensation and benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive, sustainable, scalable, and have a strong focus on attracting, retaining, and motivating top talent. The position will involve data-driven decision-making, stakeholder collaboration, and oversight of reward policies, with an emphasis on benchmarking and global compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Total Rewards Strategy & Design

a. Develop and execute a comprehensive total rewards strategy (compensation, benefits, recognition, well-being) aligned with the organizations mission, values, and goals.

b. Establish and refine total rewards frameworks, leveraging market data to support competitive positioning while managing internal equity.

c. Drive compensation and benefits programs for both direct and indirect labor, with a focus on scalability and compliance with global standards.

• Compensation Management

a. Oversee the annual compensation cycle, including salary planning, merit increases, promotions, and adjustments.

b. Lead market benchmarking processes by partnering with external vendors (e.g., AON, Mercer, Willis Towers Watson) to assess competitive positioning.

c. Conduct pay equity and gap analyses, making recommendations for adjustments to maintain equitable compensation practices.

• Benefits Administration & Enhancement

a. Drive the design and execution of health, wellness, retirement, and other employee benefit programs to ensure offerings are relevant and competitive.

b. Lead benefits renewal processes and vendor negotiations, aiming to enhance the employee experience while managing costs.

c. Conduct benefits utilization reviews and annual benefits sessions to educate employees and promote awareness.

• Performance & Recognition Programs

a. Develop performance and recognition programs that support a high-performance culture.

b. Align recognition initiatives with the companys values to foster engagement and drive performance.

c. Assess and adjust programs based on employee feedback and industry trends.

• Policy Development & Governance

a. Create and manage compensation, benefits, and recognition policies to ensure clarity and alignment with company values and regulatory standards.

b. Lead compliance efforts with local, state, and federal regulations, along with global standards for international employees.

• Data Analysis & Insights

a. Leverage data analytics to monitor the effectiveness of total rewards programs, making recommendations based on insights.

b. Prepare executive-level reports and presentations on total rewards metrics, ensuring alignment with business goals.

7. M&A Due Diligence

a. Lead the total rewards workstream during M&A due diligence.

b. Assess and analyze compensation structures, benefits plans, equity programs, and retirement schemes of target companies.

c. Identify risks, liabilities, and cost implications associated with rewards programs.

d. Provide total rewards input into purchase agreements, transition service agreements, and offer structures.

Stakeholder Collaboration

c. Partner with HR, finance, and business leaders to ensure alignment on total rewards initiatives.

d. Provide guidance and support to Talent Acquisition for competitive compensation structures for new hires, including campus recruitment and internships.

• Leadership & Team Management

a. Lead and develop a team (direct or dotted line) responsible for total rewards initiatives, ensuring their growth and alignment with company values.

b. Foster a collaborative environment with a focus on knowledge-sharing, process improvement, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Experience: 7+ years in total rewards, compensation, and benefits, with at least 5+ years in a leadership or CoE role within a medium to large organization.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; a Masters degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CCP, CEBS) are preferred.
• Skills:
• Strong expertise in compensation frameworks, benefits management, and total rewards benchmarking.
• Proficient in working with HR systems (Workday, SAP, Oracle, etc.) and data analysis tools.
• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage with executives and stakeholders effectively.
• Experience in managing teams or dotted line reports, with strong leadership capabilities.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience in data-driven decision-making.
• Comfortable with navigating ambiguity and leading through change.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace aligned with company values.