Manager Total Rewards

Relate Search; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Relate Search partners with an investment management firm in Dallas, Texas, to hire an interim Total Rewards professional. You will lead hands-on annual compensation planning, merit increases, bonuses, and incentive calculations while ensuring accurate reporting and cross-functional coordination.

Hybrid onsite Mondays to Thursdays in Dallas with Fridays remote, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Start mid-to-late November 2026 through May 2027, with training from the current Director of Total Rewards before the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in compensation and benefits.
• Experience in professional/financial services or comparable environments.
• Advanced Excel skills including VLOOKUP and pivot tables.
• Experience with payroll processes and major HRIS/payroll systems; UKG Pro preferred; Workday/ADP considered.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills; ability to handle confidential information.
• Hybrid schedule: Mon–Thu onsite in Dallas, Fridays remote.
• Standard hours 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Interim assignment from mid-to-late November 2026 through May 2027.
• Opportunity to collaborate with leadership while gaining exposure to complex compensation programs.
• Training and transition support with current Director of Total Rewards before February 2027 leave.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on annual compensation planning including merit increases and bonuses.
• Analyze and validate compensation data and prepare total rewards statements.
• Coordinate compensation recommendations with HR, Finance, Legal and leaders; maintain reporting.
• Support payroll operations including year-end processes and changes.
• Assist with benefits administration and retirement programs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Confidential data handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

VLOOKUP

Pivot tables

UKG Pro

Workday

ADP

Job description

Relate Search has partnered with an investment management firm in Dallas, Texas, seeking an experienced Total Rewards professional to provide interim support during a planned leave of absence. This opportunity will play an important role in maintaining continuity across compensation planning, payroll, benefits, and retirement programs during a critical year-end and annual compensation cycle. The primary focus will be hands-on compensation planning, including merit increases, variable compensation, incentive awards, and reporting. The selected contractor will have the opportunity to train alongside the current Total Rewards leadership team before assuming additional responsibilities during the leave.

Responsibilities:

• Lead hands-on support for annual compensation planning, including merit increases, bonuses, revenue-share calculations, deferred awards, compensation workbooks, and budget preparation.
• Analyze and validate compensation data, prepare total rewards statements, support salary and incentive calculations, and assist with compensation committee materials.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and business leaders to coordinate compensation recommendations, maintain accurate reporting, and support the annual approval process.
• Support payroll operations, including employee compensation changes, bonus payments, reconciliations, and year-end and beginning-of-year payroll processes.
• Assist with benefits administration, open enrollment reconciliation, retirement programs, employee inquiries, and HRIS data accuracy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in compensation and benefits, with hands-on experience supporting annual merit planning and variable compensation programs.
• Experience within professional services, financial services, investment management, banking, insurance, legal, or a comparable professional environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and the ability to analyze, reconcile, and validate compensation data.
• Experience with payroll processes and major HRIS/payroll systems; UKG Pro is preferred, although Workday or ADP experience will be considered.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage confidential information and collaborate across departments.
• Hybrid schedule: Monday–Thursday onsite in Dallas, with Fridays remote.
• Standard working hours of 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Interim assignment anticipated to begin in mid-to-late November 2026 and continue through May 2027.
• Opportunity to collaborate with HR, Finance, Legal, and business leadership while gaining exposure to complex compensation and incentive programs.
• Training and transition support with the current Director of Total Rewards before the planned leave begins in February 2027.

About Relate Search

Relate Search is a Woman, Minority, and LGBTQIA+ owned executive and professional search firm dedicated to connecting top talent with meaningful opportunity. With deep expertise across Supply Chain & Operations, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Accounting & Finance we deliver customized, people-first recruiting solutions that drive lasting impact.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement

Relate Search is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to building inclusive teams where everyone belongs. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.