Total Rewards Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Reporting to the EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer, the VP HR Total Rewards is responsible for the strategic design, governance, and execution of the company's global compensation, benefits, and rewards programs. Ensures Total Rewards programs are marketcompetitive, compliant, scalable, and aligned with the company's business strategy. Serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors, balancing innovation, financial discipline, regulatory compliance, and employee experience to attract, motivate, and retain worldclass talent across the globe and in all functions. In partnership with the rest of the HR leadership team develops and drives the company's overall HR strategic agenda, priorities, and projects, as well as leading the strategies and results in their specific areas of accountability.

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

• University Degree (Equivalent to Bachelor's degree) Master's degree or MBA preferred 

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive Total Rewards experience, including compensation and benefits, with 10+ years in a senior leadership role.

• Experience with employers of STEM talent highly desirable.

• Global public company experience required, including working in a matrix environment,

• Board and Compensation Committee experience

• M&A due diligence and integration, and corporate governance.  

• Deep expertise in executive compensation, equity programs, and compensation governance.

• Knowledge of leading practices and external trends in compensation, benefits and HR technology systems

• Demonstrated track record and expertise in building, leading and managing a successful Total Rewards/Compensation and Benefits function, designing and developing total rewards strategies in a global company environment.

• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior business leaders and the Board.

• Expert knowledge of employment and benefits regulations, including ERISA, ACA, FMLA, COBRA, ADA, and applicable global laws.

• Experience with HRIS, AI and compensation tools; Oracle HCM experience preferred.

• Professional certifications such as CCP, CEP, CBP, CEBS, SPHR are a plus.

Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $260K - $380K and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 40% of base salary and a 50% RSU and PSU grant. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (25 days), holiday including floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).

#LI-WM #LI-HYBRID

Total Rewards Strategy & Leadership

• Architect and lead a comprehensive Total Rewards strategy integrating base pay, variable incentives, equity programs, benefits, and recognition, aligned with business objectives and long term value creation.
• Partner with executive leadership to align rewards philosophy with company culture, growth and investor expectations.
• Oversee the creation of policies and procedures to ensure the achievement of equitable and competitive employee compensation.
• Lead and develop a high performing global Total Rewards team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and inclusion.

Compensation & Executive Rewards

• Lead the design, benchmarking, and administration of salary structures, short and long term incentive plans, and equity programs, including executive compensation.
• Serve as a primary advisor on CEO and executive compensation, supporting Human Capital & Compensation Committee governance, proxy disclosures (where applicable), and pay for performance alignment.
• Oversee annual compensation planning cycles, job architecture, and market pricing for all roles at UL Solutions.

Equity & Incentive Programs 

• Design and govern equity based compensation programs (e.g., ESPP, PSUs, RSUs, long term incentives) critical to attracting and retaining technical talent.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and external advisors to ensure equity programs comply with SEC, IRS, and applicable global regulations.
• Model compensation and equity scenarios to support hiring, retention, and organizational scaling decisions.

Benefits & Well Being Programs

• Lead the strategic design and administration of health, retirement, wellness, and leave programs that support a diverse, global workforce.
• Ensure benefits offerings are competitive and compliant with applicable regulations, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and global equivalents.
• Monitor and advise on emerging benefits trends relevant to UL Solutions employees.

Data, Analytics & Workforce Insights

• Leverage workforce analytics and market data to inform decisions related to pay equity, program ROI, budgeting, and talent retention.
• Partner closely with Finance on forecasting, cost modeling, and long term rewards sustainability.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Growth Enablement

• Lead Total Rewards due diligence and integration during M&A, licensing deals, and rapid organizational growth.
• Harmonize compensation, benefits, and equity programs across acquired entities while minimizing disruption and retention risk.
• Support organizational design and workforce scaling in alignment with pipeline and commercialization milestones.

HR Compliance & Employee Relations

• Manage a team that leads HR compliance and supports labor-related topics across the globe.
• Establish consistent regional frameworks for HR compliance, strengthen controls, and ensure HR processes and practices align with regulatory and procedural requirements across multiple jurisdictions. 
• In partnership with HR leadership including COEs, Internal Audit, SOX, and Legal as needed, strengthen audit readiness, support consistent employee relations practices, and provide clear visibility into compliance and labor-related risk across the region.
• Manage the performance of direct reports by developing accountabilities, establishing performance objectives, providing career counseling, feedback and guidance and ensuring that all policies are understood and adhered to.
• Read and follow the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct, and follow all physical and digital security practices
• Performs other duties as directed.