Director, Total Rewards

JUST HR has been engaged to recruit a Director of Total Rewards for our publicly traded global client. We are seeking an exceptional leader to join the Human Resources Leadership team. This dynamic leader is responsible for shaping and driving the organization's global Total Rewards strategy—initially assessing current structures and approaches, then leveraging innovative thinking and a pragmatic mindset to continuously enhance the company's rewards philosophy, infrastructure, programs, and plans. The successful candidate is well-versed in industry best practices and committed to staying ahead of emerging trends and developments at both national and global levels. In this pivotal role, the Director oversees the design, implementation, and management of a wide range of programs, including broad-based compensation, executive compensation, short- and long-term incentive plans, employee benefits, wellness initiatives, and strategic programs focused on employee recognition and retention. This individual brings a collaborative and strategic mindset, using deep industry expertise to establish and sustain Total Rewards practices that position the organization as a top employer. Working closely with senior stakeholders, this leader plays a key role in aligning HR strategies with broader business priorities in a global, matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Design and Administration of Total Rewards
• Collaborate with the HR Leadership Team and the Compensation Committee of the Board to create and operationalize the strategic design, implementation, communication, and administration of compensation, benefits, and recognition programs.
• Establish the Total Rewards philosophy and strategy, develop budgets, and prepare policies and procedures to ensure equitable and competitive rewards globally.
• Align Total Rewards with business performance metrics and employee engagement.
• Ensure a robust and creative enterprise-wide benefits strategy, monitoring and evaluating programs including insurance, retirement plans, and time-off policies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure incentive and benefit plans are cost-effective, employee-friendly, and compliant.
• Compensation Programs and Pay-for-Performance
• Evolve and administer a competitive compensation philosophy, including base pay, bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, promotions, and executive compensation.
• Lead annual compensation planning cycles and provide expert counsel on the design and administration of compensation programs and salary structures.
• Partner with Talent and HRBPs to align employment terms, job architectures, job descriptions, evaluations, and global salary surveys.
• Benefits Strategy and Compliance
• Oversee benefits, paid time off, retirement, and wellbeing programs to ensure they are competitive, inclusive, and responsive to diverse employee needs and life stages.
• Partner with vendors to design, deliver, and evaluate programs that optimize cost and employee experience.
• Manage vendor relationships, including service negotiations and performance guarantees.
• Ensure compliance with federal, provincial/state, and international regulations, and maintain all plan documents and communications.
• M&A and Integration
• Assess and align compensation and benefits programs during global M&A due diligence.
• Ensure seamless post-acquisition integration to support organizational objectives and employee retention.
• Leadership and Advisory
• Serve as a strategic advisor on Total Rewards to senior leadership and the Board of Directors, building credibility and trust.
• Lead the preparation of materials for the Executive Leadership Team and Compensation Committee, ensuring all charter items are met.
• Contribute to HR Leadership Team objectives and key results.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Total Rewards team.
• Process Improvement and Cost Management
• Drive continuous improvement and cost optimization by implementing tools and practices that enhance efficiency across compensation and benefits.
• Leverage data analytics and AI tools to drive insights into compensation trends, employee engagement, and benefits utilization.

Requirements

• 15+ years of progressive experience in compensation and benefits, including executive compensation in a publicly traded company.
• Experience supporting Board Compensation Committees and engaging with board-level stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of compensation structures (base, STIP, LTIP) and benefits programs.
• Familiarity with SEC regulations, proxy disclosures, and CD&A reporting.
• Strong modelling, analytics, and communication skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, including SEC, SOX, ERISA, HIPAA, and international labour laws.
• Direct experience working with 401k plans and RPPs along with other retirement-related benefits and solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, up to and including the C-suite and BOD.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing total rewards strategy, including the preparation and presentation of Compensation Committee materials.
• Depth of experience working with compensation consultants and other key third-party vendors.
• Ability to work within modern HR tech stacks (SAP SuccessFactors preferred) and demonstrated experience leveraging digital tools for the enhancement of Total Rewards operations.
• Experience creating and managing an Employee Share Purchase Plan.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve goals through influencing, partnering, and developing productive relationships with senior leadership and line managers across the business. Be recognized as the "go-to" person for all compensation and benefits issues.
• Self-starter with a proactive and inquisitive nature who can anticipate and preempt problems.
• Superior people leader, team builder, and collaborator who navigates well through diverse, rapidly changing work environments.
• Excels in the face of high expectations.

Remuneration

• The base salary range for this role is $175,000–$200,000/year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for a robust short-term incentive (bonus) program tied to both overall company performance and individual results, reflecting the critical, senior-leadership nature of the role. Total compensation is further supported by a comprehensive benefits package and a retirement savings program.

 **Only candidates eligible to work in Canada will be considered**

Just HR is a specialized Human Resources recruitment and search firm with seven practice areas: General HR, Compensation & Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Organizational Development, Labour & Employee Relations, HRIS, Health & Safety.