Total Rewards Solution Partner

Merck Group; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Group in Bengaluru is seeking a Regional Rewards Specialist to design and implement global compensation and benefits programs across multiple countries.

You will collaborate with the Head of Regional Rewards and other HR teams to ensure governance, cost efficiency, and alignment with business objectives while driving cross-country initiatives and data-driven decisions using Excel, Power BI, and AI tools.

Qualifications

• Advanced degrees in Human Resources or a relevant discipline; MBA appreciated.
• Minimum 6 years of HR experience, including 3–5 years in Compensation & Benefits.
• Fluency in English is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Compensation & Benefits strategies that attract, engage and retain talent across covered countries.
• Ensure governance and compliance with global guidelines and local regulations.
• Monitor and report effectiveness of Rewards programs; benchmark market data.
• Collaborate with HR teams and business leaders to drive stakeholder engagement.
• Lead cross-country projects; manage special C&B initiatives and mergers/acquisitions support.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Excel

Power BI

AI tools

Education

MBA or advanced HR degree

Advanced HR degree

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Work Your Magic with us! Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

As the Regional Rewards Specialist, you will be at the forefront of designing and implementing competitive benefits plans and compensation structures that align with global guidelines. Your role is pivotal in ensuring the effective rollout and enablement of global programs across all designated countries. In this individual contributor position, you will be instrumental in managing Compensation and Benefits (C&B) initiatives within your scope of countries. In this role, you will report directly to the Head of Regional Rewards, collaborating closely with other members of the People Recognition and Rewards organization. You will also engage with various HR functions in enhancing org's ability to attract, reward, and engage top talent. Your expertise will ensure that our rewards strategy not only aligns with business objectives but also integrates seamlessly with performance management processes, all while maintaining a cost-competitive edge.

You will work collaboratively with country rewards teams, sharing best practices and insights to enhance compensation and benefits strategies across the designated countries. Additionally, you will partner with Sector and Enabling Functions HR teams, Global Solution Owners (GSOs), and the Total Rewards Operation Center (TROC) to drive cross-country projects and ensure a cohesive approach to rewards management. By leveraging your skills and insights, you will help shape a rewards framework that drives employee engagement and satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Compensation & Benefits strategies in line with Global Policy and Guidelines that effectively attract, engage, and retain top talent across all covered countries, aligning with sector-specific and local market needs while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Guarantee governance according to global guidelines and ensure compliance with all applicable local laws and regulations for all countries in scope.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of our Rewards programs and make recommendations for improvements as needed.
• Drive stakeholder engagement by effectively communicating C&B initiatives, practices and policies to HR teams and business leaders.
• Perform comprehensive market benchmarking and analysis to ensure that our compensation and benefits offerings remain competitive. This includes developing salary structures and establishing market reference points for all positions across the designated countries.
• Apply advanced data analytics and diagnostic capabilities - leveraging tools like Excel, Power BI, and AI technologies - to find actionable insights, guide strategic decisions, and optimize Compensation & Benefits practices for business leaders.
• Foster close collaboration with country rewards teams to share best practices and knowledge, while actively participating in cross-country projects to enhance our compensation and benefits strategies.
• Lead and manage special compensation and benefits projects that drive innovation and effectiveness within the organization.
• Provide expert support on Compensation & Benefits for mergers and acquisitions, international relocations, and other global projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with local regulations.
• Ensure close collaboration with Sector and Enabling Functions HR teams as well Global Solution Owners (GSOs) and Total Rewards Operation Center (TROC)

Education & Languages

• Advanced degrees in Human Resources or a relevant discipline from a recognized institute; MBA or equivalent credentials are also appreciated.
• Minimum of 6 years of HR experience, including 3-5 years specifically in Compensation and Benefits.
• Fluency in English required

Professional Skills & Experience

• Exceptional analytical and diagnostic problem-solving skills.
• Strong planning and influencing capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• In-depth understanding of compensation and benefits budgets and funding requirements.
• Proven expertise in C&B practices.
• Experience in institutionalizing compensation practices and driving organizational change.
• Proficiency in project management.
• Proficiency in Excel; experience with Power BI and AI tools is advantageous.
• Background in consulting is preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Strong ownership and accountability in managing rewards topics.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to delivering extraordinary performance and results.
• Strong team spirit and excels in fostering collaboration, actively engaging with colleagues to achieve shared goals and drive collective success.

What we offer:

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!