Total Rewards Leader

Director, Total Rewards Industry: Food & Beverage Manufacturing Location: Los Angeles, CA Work Model: Hybrid — 3 days on-site / 2 days remote Reports To: Chief Human Resources Officer / VP, Human Resources The Opportunity A well-established Los Angeles food manufacturer is seeking a Director of Total Rewards to design, lead, and modernize its compensation, benefits, and wellbeing strategy across a workforce that spans corporate professionals and a large hourly production and operations population. This is a build-and-lead role for a hands-on, tech-forward total rewards leader who can bring structure, market discipline, and a compelling employee experience to a fast-moving, high-volume manufacturing environment. Partnering closely with senior HR and business leadership, this role owns the full total rewards portfolio — from job architecture and market pricing to health, retirement, and recognition programs — while leveraging AI tools and efficient systems to drive smarter, faster decisions and ensuring full compliance with California's evolving pay and wage-and-hour landscape. What You'll Own Compensation strategy across executive, corporate, and plant/production populations, including base pay structures, incentive plans, shift differentials, and premium pay. Job architecture & market pricing- build and maintain job architecture, leveling frameworks, and salary structures; lead annual market benchmarking, survey participation, and merit/comp planning cycles. Benefits & wellbeing- manage health & welfare, retirement (401k), leave, and wellbeing programs; oversee open enrollment, vendor and broker relationships, and plan renewals with an eye on cost and employee value. Compliance- ensure programs meet California pay transparency (SB 1162), pay-scale posting, wage statement, and wage-and-hour requirements, along with FLSA, ACA, ERISA, and multi-jurisdiction obligations. Analytics & pay equity- build dashboards and pay equity analyses; use data to guide leadership decisions and monitor competitiveness, cost, and internal equity. AI & systems efficiency- leverage AI and modern HR technology to streamline total rewards processes, automate manual work, and deliver faster, data-driven insights; continuously improve tools, workflows, and reporting for accuracy and scalability. Recognition & retention- design recognition and reward programs that resonate with a frontline, shift-based workforce and support attraction and retention in a competitive labor market. Partnership- advise executives and people managers on offers, promotions, retention, and reward decisions; partner with talent acquisition and HRBPs to keep pay competitive and consistent. Systems & operations- optimize total rewards processes and HRIS/comp tools to improve accuracy, scalability, and the employee experience. What You Bring 8+ years of progressive total rewards experience spanning compensation and benefits, with time spent leading or building programs. Direct experience supporting a manufacturing, food & beverage, CPG, distribution, or similar environment with a blended salaried and hourly/non-exempt workforce. AI-savvy and systems-efficient , comfortable using AI tools, automation, and technology to work smarter, streamline processes, and elevate the total rewards function. Deep working knowledge of California compensation and wage-and-hour compliance, including pay transparency and pay-scale requirements. Strong command of market pricing, survey methodology, job evaluation, and salary structure design. Advanced analytical skills; comfort building models, dashboards, and pay equity analyses in Excel and within an HRIS. A hands-on, build-oriented approach, equally comfortable setting strategy and executing the details. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; CCP, CBP, or SHRM/HRCI certification is a plus. Preferred Multi-site and/or unionized workforce experience. Experience standing up or maturing job architecture and leveling in a growing organization. Familiarity with modern comp and HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, UKG, ADP, or comparable) and AI-enabled HR tools. Work Model & Location This is a hybrid role based in Los Angeles, CA, with three days per week on-site to stay close to the business, HR leadership, and the plant/operations teams, and two days remote. Compensation & Benefits Competitive base salary plus annual incentive, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, 401(k), and wellbeing programs. A specific salary range will be provided in the posting in accordance with California pay transparency requirements. $190,000 - $250,000 DOE & Flexible.