Director, Total Rewards

Premera Blue Cross; Mountlake Terrace (WA); Hybrid; USD 157,900 - 315,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

Voluntary benefits, including pet insurance

Retirement programs

Generous paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Premera Blue Cross is seeking a Director of Total Rewards in Mountlake Terrace, WA, to shape their compensation and benefits strategy. This role will define market-competitive compensation programs and lead a high-performing team. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in relevant fields, extensive experience in enterprise-wide compensation, and brings strong analytical and leadership skills. Premera offers a hybrid work model and comprehensive total rewards including medical coverage, retirement benefits, and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience including 5 years managing teams.
• Experience leading enterprise-wide compensation and/or benefits programs.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Premera’s enterprise Total Rewards strategy and roadmap.
• Serve as a strategic advisor translating business strategy into Total Rewards solutions.
• Oversee vendors and compliance in compensation and benefits programs.

Skills

Strategic advisor to senior leaders

Financial analysis

Governance expertise

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related

Job description

Workforce Classification: Hybrid

Director, Total Rewards

As the Director, Total Rewards you will shape how Premera attracts, rewards, and retains talent. You will define and lead a forward‑looking Total Rewards strategy customized to a not‑for‑profit environment, aligning with Premera’s mission and long‑term business objectives. You will partner with senior leaders, design market‑competitive compensation and benefits programs, and build a modern, high‑performing Total Rewards function.

What You Will Do

• Define and lead Premera’s enterprise Total Rewards strategy, establishing a forward‑looking, multi‑year roadmap that aligns compensation, benefits, and wellness programs with business priorities and workforce needs.
• Bring a creative, holistic, and market‑informed perspective to modernize programs and keep them competitive and sustainable.
• Leverage healthcare‑payer data to develop, build, and implement innovative, value‑add benefits offerings.

Act as a Trusted Advisor and Executive Thought Partner

• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leaders, translating business strategy into Total Rewards solutions and guiding critical compensation and benefits decisions.
• Provide governance, oversight, and financial stewardship through partnership with the Benefits Plan Committee, using analytics to optimize rewards investments and deliver insights on engagement, performance, and retention.

Build, Lead, and Evolve the Total Rewards Function

• Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing team, building capability and fostering a collaborative, results‑driven culture.
• Provide oversight of vendors, compliance, internal controls, and third‑party risk across compensation and benefits programs, ensuring consistent execution and regulatory alignment.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience, including five years managing teams.
• Experience leading enterprise‑wide compensation and/or benefits programs with strong financial, analytical, and governance expertise.
• Proven ability to operate as a strategic advisor to senior leaders, with strong executive presence and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences and operate effectively in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments.

Additional Preferred Certifications

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or Certified Employment Benefits Specialist.
• PHR, SPHR, Lean certification, or equivalent.

Premera Total Rewards

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage with low employee premiums.
• Voluntary benefits, including pet insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement programs, including 401(k) employer match and a pension plan vesting after 3 years.
• Wellness incentives and mental well‑being resources.
• Generous paid time off.
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Employee recognition program.

Hybrid Employee Perks

• Commuter perks.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Subsidized on‑campus cafés.
• On‑site health and wellness events.
• Complementary fitness and well‑being center with virtual workouts.
• Campus recreation activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity / Affidavit Action

Premera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Premera seeks to attract and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. If you need an accommodation to apply online for positions at Premera, please contact Premera Human Resources via email at [e-mail] or via phone at 425-918-4785.

Salary Range

$157,900.00 - $315,900.00