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Rewards Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Total Rewards Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

Your Opportunity We're seeking an experienced, service-oriented Total Rewards Manager to join our Human Resources team. This role suits a highly organized HR operations professional who leads teams ...

Your Role Thornton Tomasetti is seeking a strategic and experienced Total Rewards Manager to lead the design, governance, and execution of the company's compensation, benefits, and leave ...

Total Rewards Manager

Hoffman Estates, IL ยท On-site +1

$92K - $135K/yr

Manages the Compliance Committee Team which involves monthly meetings, monitoring various HR ... In addition to your Total Rewards, culture and ED&I are very important to Tate & Lyle. We offer ...

Industry/Sector Pharma and Life Sciences Specialism Benefits Management Level Senior Manager & Summary The Opportunity As a Senior Manager in Rewards and Benefits, you will play a pivotal role in our ...

Director of Rewards

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$128K - $176K/yr

Implement the local compensation plan and manage Group Reward programs, in alignment with Group Rewards guidelines. * Responsible, along with the Sr. Director, for the design, development and ...

Total Rewards Coordinator

Northbrook, IL ยท On-site

$29 - $32/hr

Total Rewards Coordinator Location: Northbrook, IL (hybrid) Industry: Manufacturing Pay: $29 - $32 ... Manage the HR benefits inbox and ensure timely, accurate follow-up * Partner with HR Business ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rewards Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.3K

$84.1K

$141.6K

How much do rewards manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rewards manager in Chicago, IL is $84,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Rewards Manager vs Compensation Analyst?

CriteriaRewards ManagerCompensation Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's degree, certifications like CCP or CBP often preferredBachelor's degree, certifications like CCP or CBP often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees reward strategies, manages teams, collaborates with HR and financeAnalyzes compensation data, conducts market research, supports pay structure development
Industry UsageUsed across industries to develop reward programs and policiesCommonly used in HR departments for salary analysis and benchmarking

While both roles focus on employee compensation, the Rewards Manager develops overall reward strategies and manages teams, whereas the Compensation Analyst specializes in analyzing pay data and market trends to inform salary structures.

What does a rewards manager do?

A rewards manager oversees the design, implementation, and management of employee incentive programs to motivate performance and retain talent. They analyze compensation data, develop reward strategies, and ensure programs align with company goals, often using HR software and data analysis tools. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the average salary for a rewards manager?

The average salary for a rewards manager typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Rewards managers often require strong analytical skills and knowledge of compensation strategies to design effective incentive programs.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Rewards Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Rewards Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Rewards Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,205 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Total Rewards Manager

MaxIT Consulting - Max Corporate Group

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Total Rewards Manager

Chicago, Illinois | Hybrid | Full-Time | Direct Hire

MaxIT Consulting – Max Corporate Group is seeking an experienced Total Rewards Manager for a leading global professional services organization.

This is a senior-level advisory opportunity focused on helping complex organizations design and implement sophisticated workforce and rewards strategies. The successful candidate will lead large-scale client engagements, develop compensation solutions, advise senior executives and HR leaders, coach project teams, and contribute directly to business development.

The role combines deep subject-matter expertise in compensation with analytics, client leadership, technology, and commercial responsibility.

The Opportunity

You will partner with senior management and HR leaders to develop compensation strategies that help organizations attract, retain, and motivate talent.

The work will involve complex client environments and may include pay strategy, job architecture, incentive design, market analysis, compensation technology, regulatory considerations, and digital enablement.

This position is particularly well suited to someone who combines strong analytical capabilities with executive-level advisory skills and enjoys developing both client solutions and new business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the delivery of large-scale compensation and rewards consulting engagements.
  • Structure, direct, review, and interpret complex analyses performed by project teams.
  • Develop compensation strategies, philosophies, structures, and programs aligned with client attraction and retention objectives.
  • Advise senior executives and HR leaders on pay strategy, market competitiveness, job architecture, and compensation program design.
  • Design and support incentive plans and other reward programs.
  • Translate market data and analytical findings into actionable client recommendations.
  • Support the digital enablement and implementation of compensation and job architecture solutions.
  • Manage day-to-day client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.
  • Present findings, recommendations, and strategic options to executive audiences.
  • Provide guidance and oversight to junior team members while ensuring high-quality client deliverables.
  • Support business development by identifying new client opportunities, expanding existing engagements, and pursuing cross-selling opportunities.
  • Contribute to proposals, Statements of Work, client presentations, and other commercial activities.
  • Leverage technology-enabled tools, analytics, and AI where appropriate to improve consulting delivery and client outcomes.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in compensation consulting, HR advisory, total rewards consulting, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in compensation strategy and program design.
  • Proven ability to lead multiple large-scale projects and complex client engagements.
  • Strong knowledge of pay structures, market competitiveness, job architecture, incentive plan design, and market analysis methodologies.
  • Knowledge of regulatory considerations affecting compensation programs.
  • Strong client relationship management skills with experience advising senior executives and HR leaders.
  • Experience translating complex analytical findings into clear business recommendations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Strong analytical judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • Ability to coach and guide project team members while maintaining accountability for deliverable quality.
Preferred Background

Particularly relevant experience may include:

  • Total Rewards consulting
  • Executive or broad-based compensation advisory
  • Job architecture and job evaluation
  • Compensation benchmarking and market pricing
  • Incentive plan design
  • Pay structure development
  • Global rewards programs
  • Compensation technology
  • Survey management tools
  • AI-enabled HR or rewards solutions
  • Executive-level client advisory
  • Large, complex, or multinational client environments

Experience within a major HR consulting, rewards advisory, human capital consulting, or specialized compensation advisory organization will be highly valued.

Business Development

This role includes meaningful responsibility for supporting practice growth.

Strong candidates should be comfortable with activities such as:

  • Developing new client relationships
  • Identifying opportunities within existing accounts
  • Qualifying client needs
  • Supporting or leading sales conversations
  • Developing proposals and Statements of Work
  • Presenting solutions to prospective clients
  • Expanding existing engagements
  • Identifying cross-selling opportunities
  • Contributing to revenue generation

Prior success combining consulting delivery with commercial responsibility will be a significant advantage.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate a track record of leading complex compensation engagements and influencing senior decision-makers.

Relevant accomplishments may include:

  • Designing enterprise compensation strategies
  • Developing competitive pay structures
  • Leading job architecture programs
  • Designing incentive plans
  • Advising executive leadership on compensation decisions
  • Managing large or global client engagements
  • Improving client attraction and retention strategies
  • Developing innovative rewards solutions
  • Expanding existing client relationships
  • Winning new consulting work
  • Coaching teams responsible for complex analytical deliverables
Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid position based in Chicago, Illinois.

The role requires a minimum of three days per week working from the office and/or at client locations.

Candidates should therefore be located within practical commuting distance of Chicago or have a clear plan to relocate independently.

Relocation assistance is not available.

Professional Environment

The organization offers an environment focused on:

  • Professional development and career growth
  • Exposure to complex and high-impact client engagements
  • Collaboration with experienced professionals
  • Technology-enabled consulting
  • Flexible hybrid work
  • Broad career opportunities
  • Comprehensive employee benefits
  • Supportive leadership and professional development
Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please submit your application through this platform with an updated resume and relevant professional information.

Candidates should be prepared to provide:

  • LinkedIn profile
  • Highest level of education
  • Current location
  • Work authorization status
  • Desired total compensation
  • Examples of complex compensation consulting engagements personally led
  • Details of business development and client-growth responsibilities

If you are an experienced rewards advisor who combines deep compensation expertise, executive-level client skills, analytical rigor, and business development capabilities, we would like to hear from you.