Director, Total Rewards & Benefits (ESOP Focus)

Central States, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K

Medical – 100% employer-paid coverage

Vision

Holiday pay

Vacation pay

Life insurance – employer-paid

Wellness Program

Health Savings Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability – employer-paid

Performance-based merit increases

SHINE program

Job summary

Central States Manufacturing, Inc. seeks a Director of Total Rewards to lead benefits, retirement, wellness, recognition, and leave programs. You will ensure competitive, compliant, and cost-effective offerings while partnering with HR, Payroll, and Finance to deliver an exceptional employee experience.

This on-site role is based in Northwest Arkansas. You will design and manage open enrollment, year-end processes, and program evaluations, driving engagement and retention across multiple

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years in employee benefits administration and total rewards, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefit programs, retirement plans, and related compliance requirements.
• Experience managing open enrollment, vendor relationships, benefits compliance, and year-end benefit administration.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a total rewards strategy focusing on benefits, wellness, retirement, recognition, and leave programs.
• Lead design, administration, and evaluation of health and welfare programs, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, leave programs, and recognition programs.
• Oversee benefits administration and vendor partnerships, negotiating contracts and ensuring service excellence, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Direct the annual open enrollment process, including planning, communications, system administration, vendor coordination, and implementation.
• Lead year-end benefits activities, including renewals, audits, compliance reporting, reconciliations, and communications.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and related regulations."
• Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate deductions, funding, reporting, and year-end processing.
• Communicate benefits programs through education, materials, presentations, and ongoing support.
• Analyze benefits utilization, costs, feedback, and market trends to identify improvements.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and monitor expenses with cost containment.
• Prepare reports and analyses on benefits performance, vendor effectiveness, and participation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Finance or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Certifications such as CEBS, CBP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR (preferred)

Job description

Central States Manufacturing, Inc. seeks a Director of Total Rewards to lead benefits, retirement, wellness, recognition, and leave programs. You will ensure competitive, compliant, and cost-effective offerings while partnering with HR, Payroll, and Finance to deliver an exceptional employee experience.

This on-site role is based in Northwest Arkansas. You will design and manage open enrollment, year-end processes, and program evaluations, driving engagement and retention across multiple