AVP of Total Rewards

HARTZ Search; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas seeks a strategic AVP, Total Rewards to lead compensation, benefits, and governance across the health system. You will shape the Total Rewards strategy, partner with HRIS and Finance, and oversee executive compensation, retirement programs, and wellness initiatives.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years in total rewards within large healthcare systems, proven leadership, and board-ready communication skills.

Qualifications

• Seven+ years of progressive total rewards experience with emphasis on compensation.
• Leadership experience in large, complex healthcare organizations.
• Experience with executive and broad-based compensation programs.
• Experience with benefits strategy, design and administration.
• Experience with self-insured health plans and retirement programs.
• Experience preparing board materials and presenting to executives.
• Demonstrated success building and developing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and administration of compensation programs including base pay, incentives, and executive compensation.
• Oversee benefits strategy including health, welfare, retirement plans, and wellness.
• Partner with HRIS, Finance, and HR leadership to deliver cost-effective Total Rewards solutions.
• Prepare Board-level materials and executive reports; provide insights to senior leadership.
• Drive benchmarking for compensation and benefits; ensure market competitiveness and internal equity.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Total Rewards team.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and governance for all programs.

Skills

Total Rewards

Executive compensation

Benefits design

Leadership

Healthcare industry

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR

Master's degree preferred

Job description

HARTZ Search invites you to explore an exciting opportunity for the Associate Vice President (AVP), Total Rewards role with our client, Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas. Memorial Hermann’s vision is to create healthier communities, now and for generations to come.

Memorial Hermann’s strategic goal is to enable the entire health system to create more value for patients and populations; that is, delivering the greatest outcomes at an optimal cost, creating exceptional experiences for our patients and a fulfilling work environment for our workforce, and improving health equity and access in the communities we serve.

Our client is seeking a strategic and experienced AVP, Total Rewards leader, to lead the strategic design, operational execution, and continuous improvement of the organization’s compensation and benefits programs. This leader will play a critical role in shaping the Total Rewards strategy, ensuring competitive compensation and benefits offerings that attract, retain, and engage top talent while maintaining operational excellence and regulatory compliance. The AVP of Total Rewards is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of compensation, health, welfare, retirement, and voluntary benefit programs across the Health System. This role partners closely with HRIS, Finance, and Human Resources leadership to deliver innovative, cost-effective compensation and benefits solutions aligned with organizational goals. The successful candidate will bring compensation expertise, including executive compensation, market competitiveness, and governance, as well as team leadership within a complex healthcare system or a large multi-divisional organization.

Memorial Hermann Health System owns and operates 14 hospitals and has joint ventures with three other hospital facilities, including Memorial Hermann Surgical Hospital First Colony, Memorial Hermann Surgical Hospital Kingwood, and Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital-Katy.Memorial Hermann is redefining health care for the individuals and many diverse populations they serve. With 6,600+ affiliated physicians and 35,000+ employees practice the highest standards of safe, evidence-based, quality care to provide a personalized and outcome-oriented experience across more than 260 care delivery sites. As one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in Southeast Texas, Memorial Hermann has an award-winning and nationally acclaimed Accountable Care Organization. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is one of the nation's busiest Level I trauma centers and serves as the primary teaching hospital for McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.

Position Highlights & Requirements:

• Reports to: AVP of Total Rewards reports to VP of Total Rewards
• Direct Reports: Director of Benefits, Manager of Compensation, and Executive Compensation Specialist
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, or related field) preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications: CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) strongly preferred. CEBS, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or similar certifications preferred.
• Location: Hybrid Houston, Texas

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Seven (7)+ years of progressive total rewards experience with a strong emphasis on compensation; five (5)+ years of leadership experience in large, complex healthcare organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in both executive compensation and broad-based compensation
• Experience with benefits strategy, design, and administration.
• Specific demonstrated expertise with self-insured health plans, 403(b) retirement plans, non-qualified retirement, pension plans, and voluntary benefits.
• Experience preparing materials for board-level committees and presenting to top senior executives on benefit programs.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing teams.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Principal Accountabilities

• Advance Memorial Hermann’s strategic goal to enable the entire health system to create more value for patients and populations.
• Partner with the VP of Total Rewards to develop and execute a comprehensive total rewards strategy with a strong emphasis on compensation excellence.
• Lead design and administration of compensation programs, including base pay, incentives, and executive compensation (excluding physician compensation).
• Oversee benefits strategy and administration, including health, welfare, retirement (pension and 403(b)), and wellness programs.
• Lead benefits administration, including vendor management, plan governance, compliance, and employee experience.
• Prepare Board-level materials and executive reports; present insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support and contribute to the Benefits and Retirement Committees with frequent interaction with Executive Leadership.
• Lead benchmarking for compensation and benefits, ensuring market competitiveness and internal equity.
• Drive operational excellence, analytics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing total rewards team.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff, and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications, including time management, supply management, productivity, and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as a resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards of providing safe, caring, personalized, and efficient experiences to patients and our workforce.
• Other duties as assigned.

LOCATION: HOUSTON, TEXAS:

America's fourth-largest city is a cosmopolitan destination, filled with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping, and nightlife. Take a stroll through the historic Heights, spend the day exploring the Museum District, or head down to Space Center Houston. Later on, grab a bite in one of dozens of award-winning restaurants. Houston is a large metropolis in Texas, extending to Galveston Bay. The city’s relatively compact Downtown includes the Theater District, home to the renowned Houston Grand Opera, and the Historic District, with 19th-century architecture. Houston offers world-class shopping and two international airports.