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Manager Total Rewards Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Total Rewards POSITION SUMMARY: The Total Rewards Manager is responsible for the administration and oversight of employee health and welfare benefits and compensation programs, providing ...

Working for our team, you can truly make a difference. Sr. Manager, Total Rewards supports the strategy, governance, and delivery of MCC's benefits, retirement, and wellbeing programs across the ...

Bring a bold, practical, and joyful approach to improving how employees and managers experience Total Rewards at Benefit. Profile Qualifications: * 7+ years of progressive experience in Total Rewards ...

Bring a bold, practical, and joyful approach to improving how employees and managers experience Total Rewards at Benefit. Profile Qualifications: * 7+ years of progressive experience in Total Rewards ...

Total Rewards Manager

Ventura, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

About The Role Rincon Consultants is seeking a Total Rewards Manager to lead the design, delivery, and continuous evolution of our compensation and benefits programs. This role is both strategic and ...

Total Rewards Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

About the Role Nuro is seeking a talented Total Rewards Manager to shape our compensation and benefits strategy. This role is essential to designing competitive, equitable, and scalable reward ...

About the Role Nuro is seeking a talented Total Rewards Manager to shape our compensation and benefits strategy. This role is essential to designing competitive, equitable, and scalable reward ...

Total Rewards Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

About the Role Nuro is seeking a talented Total Rewards Manager to shape our compensation and benefits strategy. This role is essential to designing competitive, equitable, and scalable reward ...

Total Rewards Manager

Ventura, CA · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

AboutTheRole Rincon Consultants is seeking a Total Rewards Manager to lead the design, delivery, and continuous evolution of our compensation and benefits programs. This role is both strategic and ...

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Manager Total Rewards information

See California salary details

$35K

$113.2K

$167.3K

How much do manager total rewards jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager total rewards in California is $113,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a manager total rewards do?

A Manager of Total Rewards oversees the design, implementation, and management of an organization's compensation, benefits, and rewards programs. Their main goal is to attract, motivate, and retain employees by ensuring that pay, incentives, and benefits are competitive and aligned with business objectives. They analyze market trends, ensure compliance with regulations, and often collaborate with HR and leadership to develop total rewards strategies that support the company's goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager total rewards, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Total Rewards, you need expertise in compensation and benefits strategy, data analysis, and a relevant degree such as human resources or business administration. Familiarity with HRIS platforms, compensation benchmarking tools, and certifications like CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) are commonly required. Strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills help drive effective program implementation and employee satisfaction. These skills are crucial for designing competitive rewards programs that attract, motivate, and retain top talent in alignment with organizational goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Total Rewards jobs in California?

The most popular types of Total Rewards jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Manager Total Rewards jobs?

Cities in California with the most Manager Total Rewards job openings:

Infographic showing various Manager Total Rewards job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,228 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

MANAGER, TOTAL REWARDS

Scripps Research

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

ABOUT US:
Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Manager, Total Rewards
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Total Rewards Manager is responsible for the administration and oversight of employee health and welfare benefits and compensation programs, providing knowledge and expertise to support the goals, strategies, and directives of the department. Provides highly responsive and complex professional support to Scripps Research staff. Maintains, develops, leads and implements benefit policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance. Supervises the Benefits team to ensure effective administration of all benefit programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Benefits Administration
  • Administers employee fringe and mandated benefit programs including health, dental, vision and life/disability, flexible spending and health spending accounts, Employee Assistance Program, and retirement plans.
  • Provides professional and confidential level of assistance to resolve healthcare benefit issues in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
  • Manages and develops direct reports; responsible for employment related actions such as hiring, terminating, training, performance appraisals, and salary reviews of assigned staff; responds proactively to employee issues and concerns with empathy, confidentiality, and integrity.
  • Efficiently communicates a variety of benefit information to employees both orally and in writing; composes timely benefit communication documents including brochures, booklets, and other media.
  • Works with benefit carriers and brokers to ensure proper administration of benefits contracts, correct payment of premiums and resolution of any service delivery issues.
  • Oversee worker's compensation program and COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and HIPAA policies ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Maintains accurate record-keeping and ensures timely submission of required form(s) (OSHA Logs, 5500 reporting, non-discrimination testing, etc.) with the IRS, DOL and/or related agencies.
  • Manages annual healthcare benefits renewal programs, manages carriers and broker participation.
  • Develops and maintains procedures for benefits related records in HR systems.
  • Audits and troubleshooting of HCM and vendor issues.

Compensation Program
  • Responsible for the effective deployment of salary administration and the day-to-day productivity of systems and existing processes.
  • Oversee participation in published surveys and perform analysis of wage and salary reports, surveys, data and other compensation tools.
  • Administers compensation plans and salary administration to ensure compliance and equity both internally and externally.
  • Reviews proposed salary adjustments for conformation to guidelines, policies, and practices, and make recommendations to managers for resolution of issues.
  • Conduct job analysis and draft/update job descriptions for new and existing positions, as necessary.
  • Performs routine audits/reviews for accuracy, and to keep abreast of market trends.
  • Initiates and prepares annual salary planning data and coordinates the merit increase process including preparing related documentation and communication maintaining accurate records and preparation of summary reports for management.
  • Responds proactively to employee and management compensation issues and concerns with empathy, confidentiality, and integrity.
  • Coaches and counsels' managers regarding policy interpretation and application of wage and hour and other related labor laws.
  • Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in Health and Welfare plan administration including vendor management.
  • 2+ years of successful supervisory experience
  • 5+ years of progressive compensation experience
  • Strong experience with HCM and benefits administration software systems; UKG or Workday experience highly preferred.

  • Professional etiquette and demonstrated superior oral/written communication and presentation skills required.
  • Ability to utilize a resourceful and proactive approach to seek resolutions.

  • Must exhibit excellent organizational and project management skills and demonstrate efficient and accurate work products.
  • Solid experience with and understanding applicable HR-related laws and regulations (ERISA, ADA, FMLA, DOL, IRS, AAP/EEO reporting, Pay Equity, etc.).
  • Proficient with all Microsoft Office applications
  • While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION:
The expected hiring range for this position is $130,000 to $150,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
  • Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
  • Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
  • Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
  • Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.