Senior Total Rewards Lead: Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

Primary Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Primary Services is seeking a Total Rewards Project Manager to own compensation, benefits, wellness, and payroll initiatives across a multi-site organization. This direct-hire role blends strategic program development with hands-on operational leadership, collaborating with HR, Finance, and Operations to keep rewards programs competitive and compliant.

The role leads planning, execution, and ongoing improvement of total rewards initiatives, guiding program enhancements and overseeing delivery of

Qualifications

• 10+ years in total rewards, compensation, benefits, payroll, or related HR leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, Finance, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience overseeing payroll, benefits, and compensation programs.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and HR program improvements.
• Knowledge of payroll compliance and benefits regulations.
• Experience supporting exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple locations.
• Experience analyzing compensation data, benefits costs, and workforce trends.
• Proficiency with HRIS, payroll, benefits administration, or compensation systems.
• Experience managing vendors and leading HR operations teams.
• Experience supporting organizational growth or HR transformation initiatives preferred.
• SHRM, PHR, CCP, CEBS, CPP, or related certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead total rewards initiatives involving compensation planning, benefits administration, payroll operations, and employee wellness programs.
• Develop project plans, implementation timelines, and performance measures for program enhancements.
• Oversee payroll, benefits, and compensation processes to maintain accuracy, compliance, and operational consistency.
• Evaluate compensation structures, market benchmarks, hourly wage practices, and incentive programs.
• Coordinate annual compensation reviews, benefits planning, and open enrollment activities.
• Manage vendor relationships, program evaluations, and opportunities to improve service delivery.
• Analyze employee participation, benefits costs, payroll performance, and compensation trends.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Operations to implement scalable total rewards practices.
• Establish reporting processes, internal controls, and compliance measures.
• Lead and develop employees responsible for payroll, benefits, and compensation activities.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and coordinate changes to systems and workflows.
• Support organizational growth initiatives and evolving workforce needs.

Skills

Total rewards leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Vendor management

HR operations leadership

Payroll & benefits leadership

HR compliance awareness

Data analysis

Education

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

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Primary Services is seeking a Total Rewards Project Manager to own compensation, benefits, wellness, and payroll initiatives across a multi-site organization. This direct-hire role blends strategic program development with hands-on operational leadership, collaborating with HR, Finance, and Operations to keep rewards programs competitive and compliant.

The role leads planning, execution, and ongoing improvement of total rewards initiatives, guiding program enhancements and overseeing delivery of