Total Rewards and HR Operations Manager

Total Rewards and HR Operations Manager

Department: Human Resources (CT)

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Chester, CT

Reporting To: Heidi DeLisle

Description We are seeking a hands-on and detail-oriented Total Rewards and HR Operations Manager to help deliver and manage Whelen's compensation, benefits, and HR operations programs. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this role plays a critical part in executing key HR programs that attract, retain, and support our employees while ensuring alignment with Whelen's values and business goals.

This is a highly collaborative role for someone who thrives on balancing program execution, process improvement, employee experience, and operational efficiency. You will oversee day-to-day administration and support of compensation programs, benefits offerings, and HR systems, while also contributing to process design and improvement projects.

Key Responsibilities Leadership:

• Create and lead the Total Rewards Strategy, implementation, and execution.
• Lead the implementation and maintenance of new HRIS/HCM/ATS system.
• Co-lead the strategic vision for the HRIS system and capabilities.
• Lead the cyclical HR processes like performance and calibrations, compensation planning, and other recurrent HR activities.
• Manage team of four HR professionals in HR Generalist, Benefits, and HRIS roles.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits:

• Support the administration of broad-based compensation programs, including annual salary review processes, job evaluations, salary survey participation, and market benchmarking.
• Partner with HR Business Partners and Talent Acquisition to review job offers and internal movements to ensure consistency and market competitiveness.
• Oversee with the development, communication, and administration of total rewards programs including health, wellness, retirement, and leave programs.
• Partner with the HR team and benefits broker during the annual benefits renewal and open enrollment process, including employee communication and vendor coordination.
• Oversee benefits trends and recommend program enhancements based on employee needs, cost, and market data.

HR Operations & HRIS:

• Oversee the HRIS system to support business needs, efficient HR processes, and data-driven decision-making.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiencies across compensation, benefits, and HR systems.

Collaboration & Project Work:

• Work closely with the broader HR team and cross-functional partners (Finance, Legal, IT) to execute total rewards and HR operations initiatives.
• Participate in special projects such as HRIS upgrades, compensation structure reviews, or benefits program rollouts.
• Provide day-to-day support and guidance to HR colleagues and employees on total rewards and HR operations questions.

Qualifications and Education:

• 6+ years of experience in Human Resources in at least two of the following areas: Compensation, Benefits, HR Operations, or HRIS administration, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Excellent team leadership skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make recommendations.
• Proven project management and organizational skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams and levels.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

All Employees Shall

• Comply with the EH&S Policy and applicable regulatory and company EH&S rules and requirements
• Report to supervision conditions or practices that are either unsafe or that may adversely impact the environment, to ensure prompt resolution of potential hazards
• Attend scheduled EH&S training program
• Actively support the organization's efforts to meet or exceed EH&S goals and plans
• Recommend improved EH&S practices

Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and third parties. This ability to communicate requires the employee to be conversant in English as the majority of our workforce and the third parties that we encounter only speak English. The incumbent is responsible for complying with the policies in Whelen's "Employee Handbook".
This Job Description is to serve as a guide. It is intended to be flexible and will continue to evolve over time with business needs and demands and may be updated periodically and at the Company's discretion. Nothing in this position description changes or is intended to change the employment at-will relationship with the Company. Employment at-will means that an employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason at all, with or without notice.