Total Rewards Leader

Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC; Upton (NY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory is seeking an experienced Total Rewards leader to shape compensation, benefits, wellbeing, and recognition programs across research, operations, and administration. The role leads a team of approximately 15 professionals and serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on Total Rewards strategy.

You will partner with the CHRO to drive strategic initiatives, ensure program alignment with regulatory requirements, and help attract and retain top talent for the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Ten or more years of Total Rewards experience with deep expertise in compensation strategy and executive consultation.
• Proven ability to scale programs for large, regulated organizations.
• Strong analytical, vendor management, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Proficiency with HR systems such as Workday and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead Total Rewards strategy and align with Brookhaven’s mission to attract and retain talent.
• Collaborate with CHRO and senior leadership on compensation trends, market benchmarks, and regulatory developments.
• Oversee job evaluation, market pricing, benchmarking, and compensation analyses to ensure equity and competitiveness.
• Ensure programs meet DOE contractual requirements and regulatory standards, including audits.
• Drive compensation excellence and coordinate salary review processes with Laboratory leaders.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and development for the Rewards team.
• Utilize metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and inform decisions.
• Oversee administration of employee leave and related benefits programs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Compliance knowledge

Vendor management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Workday

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

HRIS

Excel

Job description

Overview

Brookhaven National Laboratory brings together scientists, engineers, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, operational staff, and professionals from a wide range of disciplines to advance discovery, innovation, and operational excellence. The Manager of Total Rewards reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer and leads compensation, benefits, well-being, and recognition strategies to support a skilled workforce spanning research, operations, and administration. This role leads a team of approximately 15 professionals and serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on Total Rewards.This role offers the opportunity to partner with senior leaders, lead strategic initiatives, and drive programs that impact employees and the Laboratory’s long-term success. The Total Rewards function is a strategic lever for attracting and retaining talent and ensuring compliance within a highly regulated environment.

What You'll Do

• Lead Total Rewards Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive compensation and benefits strategy aligned with Brookhaven’s mission and objectives to attract, retain, and engage talent.
• Collaborate with CHRO and senior leadership to align Total Rewards strategies with organizational objectives by providing strategic, data-driven counsel on compensation trends, market intelligence, regulatory developments, and opportunities and challenges.
• Work with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, and organizational leaders to lead job evaluation, market pricing, benchmarking, and compensation analyses to ensure programs are competitive and equitable.
• Partner with Legal and organizational leadership to ensure programs comply with Department of Energy contractual requirements and applicable regulations, serving as a primary representative during audits and inquiries.
• Drive Compensation Excellence: Provide leadership for salary review processes and coordinate with Laboratory leaders and HR teams to ensure consistency, compliance, and alignment with policies.
• Lead and Inspire a High-Performing Team: Provide direction, mentorship, and growth opportunities while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Compensation and Benefits programs, promoting collaboration, accountability, customer service, continuous improvement, and innovation.
• Use metrics and analytics to evaluate program effectiveness, inform decision-making, and measure outcomes.
• Provide oversight for administration of employee leave, absence management, and related benefits programs.
• Remain aligned with regulatory and internal requirements and prepare for audits as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten (10) or more years of progressive Total Rewards experience with deep expertise in compensation strategy, job architecture, market benchmarking, pay program design, and executive consultation.
• Benefits leadership experience desirable, with the ability to guide an experienced benefits team.
• Proven ability to scale programs to support organizations of similar size and complexity.
• Strong analytical, compliance, vendor management, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to operate at a strategic level, navigate high-visibility environments, and engage effectively with stakeholders and oversight bodies.
• Experience conducting needs and effectiveness assessments for compensation and benefits programs, developing proposals, and implementing program enhancements with tangible results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data, identify trends, and communicate insights.
• Knowledge of federal and state HR laws and regulations related to compensation and benefits (e.g., ACA, FLSA, OFCCP, EEOC, DFEH).
• Proficiency with HR systems and tools, including Workday (preferred), Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Skills/Knowledge

• Experience in a scientific, research, government contracting, or other highly regulated environment.
• Certifications such as CCP and/or CEBS.
• Experience supporting both union-represented and non-represented employee populations.
• This role is onsite/hybrid – 4 days onsite and one day remote.

Join Brookhaven

This is an opportunity for an experienced Total Rewards leader to apply strategic expertise in a complex and dynamic environment. You will lead a team, advise senior leadership, and shape programs that support employees across research, engineering, operations, and administration. If you are energized by solving workforce challenges and building programs that help organizations thrive, consider applying. Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to fair, equitable, and competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits program.

Equal Opportunity

Brookhaven National Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process as needed.