Compensation and Rewards Manager

Crucial Hire; Hoffman Estates (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Annual bonus and long-term incentives

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

A leading industrial manufacturing firm located in the Greater Chicago Area is seeking a Compensation and Rewards Manager to enhance their rewards strategy. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in compensation and benefits, strong leadership skills, and a proactive mindset to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, providing an exceptional opportunity for professional development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in compensation and benefits, ideally in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership experience in managing Total Rewards functions.
• Strong experience with payroll systems and compensation surveys.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team responsible for compensation, benefits, and payroll functions.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition and HR Business Partners to deliver compensation strategies.
• Drive performance-based reward programs to enhance productivity.

Skills

Leadership

Payroll systems expertise

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

PowerPoint proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field

Tools

Job evaluation tools

Job description

Compensation and Rewards Manager (Mid-Senior Level)

Location: Greater Chicago Area (On-site)

Company Overview

Our client, a fast‑growing and innovative player in the industrial manufacturing sector, with over 900 USA employes, and many thousanads globally, is leading the way in delivering top‑tier industrial products and solutions for decades. Known for its progressive approach, this organization prides itself on its employee development programs and a strong emphasis on fostering a dynamic and forward‑thinking work environment. They are seeking a talented Compensation and Rewards Manager to take their rewards strategy to the next level.

Role Overview

In this high‑impact role, you will be responsible for leading and refining the company’s Total Rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, and payroll initiatives. You'll report directly to the Head of Human Resources, guiding a small, talented team to drive strategic change and deliver top‑tier employee experiences. This is a hands‑on, strategic role that requires a leader ready to make a significant impact in a rapidly growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team responsible for compensation, benefits, and payroll functions, ensuring seamless integration with HR initiatives and a focus on exceptional employee experiences.
• Partner closely with Talent Acquisition and HR Business Partners to design and deliver cutting‑edge compensation strategies aligned with the company’s goals.
• Drive performance‑based reward programs to enhance individual and team productivity.
• Oversee payroll operations to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing for a diverse employee group, including salaried, hourly, and commissioned staff.
• Ensure all compensation and benefits programs comply with relevant regulations while aligning with company philosophy.
• Innovate and enhance current reward programs, identifying areas for improvement and proposing new approaches to support business objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, including the CEO and CFO, to ensure alignment of rewards programs with organizational goals.

Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of full‑time experience in compensation and benefits, ideally within a fast‑paced, growth‑focused environment.
• Proven leadership experience in managing Total Rewards functions.
• Strong experience with payroll systems, job evaluation tools, and compensation surveys.
• Familiarity with performance‑based rewards and the ability to introduce strategic initiatives that drive employee engagement and productivity.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing at all organizational levels.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint to create impactful reports and presentations.
• A proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary ($120,000 - $140,000 range)
• Annual bonus and long‑term incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package with significant employer contributions to health care
• Opportunities for professional development and growth in a dynamic, global company

Why This Role is a Game Changer

This position is ideal for a leader ready to shape the future of compensation and benefits within a fast‑growing organization. You will have the opportunity to design impactful strategies and lead a talented team, all while partnering with senior leadership to drive success across the company. It's a unique chance to make a tangible impact on employee engagement and company performance.