Total Rewards Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

IAT Insurance Group has an immediate opening for the Head of Total Rewards that can be located in our Raleigh, North Carolina, Cheshire, Connecticut, Naperville, Illinois, Rolling Meadows, Illinois, or Alpharetta, Georgia location. This role leads the Total Rewards Center of Excellence and drives the strategy across compensation, benefits, wellbeing, and recognition to attract, retain, and motivate high-performing talent. Oversees program governance, compliance, communication, and continuous improvement aligned to IAT Insurance Group's business goals.This role works a hybrid schedule Monday through Wednesday, with the option of working Thursday and Friday remotely.Responsibilities:

• Leads the Total Rewards CoE; sets strategy, policies, and multi-year roadmap aligned to business and talent priorities.
• Defines the total rewards strategy across compensation, benefits, wellbeing, and recognition. Partners with various stakeholder units to develop and implement comprehensive HR business solutions.
• Establishes governance and policies; ensures regulatory compliance, controls, and audit readiness.
• Leads the vendor ecosystem (brokers, consultants, administrators, survey providers); drives service quality and cost effectiveness.
• Sets compensation philosophy and frameworks (job architecture, structures, incentives) informed by market intelligence and internal equity.
• Directs enterprise compensation programs and annual cycles (merit, incentive/variable pay) with clear guidelines and leader enablement.
• Partners with CHRO on executive compensation and incentive governance.
• Serves as the compensation strategic partner to business leaders, in close alignment with HR Business Partners and the Talent Acquisition CoE.
• Identifies and leverages relevant market intelligence; participates and represents IAT in benchmarking and industry forums as needed.
• Ensure company compliance with all state and federal guidelines and supervise preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies.
• Sets overall long-term benefits strategy, wellbeing, and recognition strategy; optimizes plan design, employee experience, and vendor performance aligned to business objectives and prevailing competitive practices.
• Develop the total rewards team; provide ongoing coaching and learning opportunities to build capability.
• Analyzes existing benefit plans, trends, and prevailing competitive practices to ensure strategic alignment with business objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree in human resource management, business or related field. Master's degree may be preferred or required. Professional Compensation Certification (CCP, CECP, or GRP) or Professional Benefits Certification (CBP or CEBS) preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of human resources experience in compensation and benefits program design, implementation, automation, and ongoing administration. 6 years of experience in employee benefits planning, design, and administration of plans. Relevant experience includes the following:
  • Expert knowledge of the design, development, implementation, and administration of all types of US domestic compensation and benefits programs (executive, incentive, and awards).
  • Current, up-to-date knowledge of executive compensation practices and laws; tax, legal, and financial implications of executive compensation; and industry trends and competitor practices.
  • Excellent knowledge of how to analyze compensation and benefits data and meeting legal and regulatory requirements. Strong knowledge and application of Federal and State employment laws: ERISA, FLMA, FLSA, EEO. In depth knowledge of U.S. domestic compensation programs and practicing including market pricing in multiple industries and developing competitive pay structures and salary administration systems.
  • Strong knowledge of the accounting and business practices applied to benefit plans in order to contribute to and support various business decisions.
  • Strong Microsoft Office, HRIS reporting systems, and payroll information systems skills.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and management skills.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to consult with clients on concepts, techniques, program implementation and administration.
  • Ability to demonstrate customer service orientation; creative problem-solving skills; conflict management skills.
• To qualify, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require VISA sponsorship, now or in the future, for employment purposes.

Preferred to Have:

• Workday experience

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We maintain a drug-free workplace and participate in E-Verify.Compensation:Please note, that the annual gross salary range associated with this posting is $184,590 to $300,000 . This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base salary for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on factors such as a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and geographical location related to this specific role. The total compensation will include a base salary, performance-based bonus opportunities, 401(K) match, profit-sharing opportunities, and more.To view details of our full benefits, please visit https://www.iatinsurancegroup.com/careers/benefits 

IAT Insurance Group is the largest private, family-owned property and casualty insurer in the U.S. Insurance Answers Together is how we define IAT, in letter and in spirit. We work together to provide solutions for people and businesses. We collaborate internally and with our partners to provide the best possible insurance and surety options for our customers.

At IAT, we're committed to driving and building an open and supportive culture for all. Our employees propel IAT forward - driving innovation, stable partnerships and growth. That's why we continue to build an engaging workplace culture to attract and retain the best talent.

We offer comprehensive benefits like:

• 26 PTO Days (Entry Level) + 12 Company Holidays = 38 Paid Days Off
• 7% 401(k) Company Match and additional Profit Sharing
• Hybrid work environment
• Numerous training and development opportunities to assist you in furthering your career
• Healthcare and Wellness Programs
• Opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses
• College Loan Assistance Support Plan
• Educational Assistance Program
• Mentorship Program
• Dress for Your Day Policy

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We maintain a drug-free workplace and participate in E-Verify.