Total Rewards Lead - Benefits & Compensation

Michael Best; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Best is seeking a Total Rewards Specialist to administer and improve the Firm’s benefits, leave, and compensation programs to deliver an excellent employee experience and strong governance.

Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, this role partners with vendors, Payroll, Finance, and Firm Leadership to provide accurate, compliant, and timely total rewards services, and manages the Firm’s compensation philosophy and pay structures through market insights and analysis.

Qualifications

• 5+ years total rewards experience focused on benefits and compensation.
• Hands-on leave program administration and third-party leave partner.
• Knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA compliance.
• Experience in salary surveys, market research, pay equity analysis, or job evaluation.
• HRIS proficiency; UKG experience preferred.
• Clear, professional communication with stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Strong analytical and process-improvement skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Use of approved AI-enabled tools to improve quality and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manage and continuously improve benefits and leave programs with vendors.
• Lead open enrollment planning and execution including communications and audits.
• Serve as UKG benefits module SME; maintain configuration and reporting.
• Ensure programs comply with COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA and Firm policies.
• Lead benefits compliance efforts and ensure timely employee notices and reporting.
• Provide high-quality support to employees and HR Advisors; coach HR Representatives.
• Support the Firm’s compensation philosophy, pay bands, benchmarking, and governance.
• Partner with leadership to design compensation programs for attraction, retention, and equity.
• Conduct market research and participate in compensation surveys; provide analysis.
• Manage workers’ compensation and unemployment claims with Payroll as needed.
• Oversee leave benefits (FMLA/ parental/ STD) with HR and third-party administrator.

Skills

Leave administration

HRIS proficiency

Compensation program support

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Discretion with confidential info

Collaboration

AI tool usage

Tools

UKG experience

Job description

Michael Best is seeking a Total Rewards Specialist to administer and improve the Firm’s benefits, leave, and compensation programs to deliver an excellent employee experience and strong governance.

Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, this role partners with vendors, Payroll, Finance, and Firm Leadership to provide accurate, compliant, and timely total rewards services, and manages the Firm’s compensation philosophy and pay structures through market insights and analysis.