Total Rewards, Systems & Operations Leader

Total Rewards, Systems & Operations Leader California-Based Company | Remote / Virtual Eligible Position Summary Our client, a California-based company, is seeking an experienced Total Rewards, Systems & Operations Leader to own the strategy, design, and day-to-day administration of the organization's compensation and benefits programs. This is a highly visible leadership role for a total rewards expert who combines deep technical compensation and benefits knowledge with strong people-leadership and systems/operations acumen, including hands-on experience using AI and automation to modernize how total rewards is delivered. The role leads a team of analysts and HR business partners and serves as the organization's subject-matter authority on pay, benefits, and the technology (including Greenhouse and other HR systems) that supports them. This position is remote/virtual eligible for the right candidate. Key Responsibilities Own the design, funding strategy, governance, and end-to-end administration of the company's total rewards programs, including base pay, incentive compensation, executive compensation support, and the full benefits portfolio (medical, dental, vision, life/disability, retirement, leave, and voluntary benefits). Lead annual compensation cycles — merit, promotion, and bonus planning — including market pricing, salary structure design/maintenance, and pay equity analysis. Serve as the executive-facing owner of the benefits program: carrier and broker relationships, renewal strategy, plan design changes, open enrollment, and regulatory compliance (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, state-specific requirements). Direct the systems and operations backbone of total rewards — HRIS/payroll integrations, benefits administration platforms, Greenhouse (ATS) and other recruiting/HR systems, and compensation management tools — ensuring data integrity, process efficiency, and a strong employee/manager experience. Champion the use of AI-driven tools and automation across total rewards and HR operations — from AI-assisted market pricing and pay equity analysis to chatbot/self-service tools for benefits and compensation questions, and workflow automation across HRIS, ATS, and benefits platforms. Manage, coach, and develop a team of compensation/benefits analysts and HR business partners, setting priorities, building capability, and creating a strong service-delivery culture. Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, HRIS/IT, and senior HR leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and total rewards strategy tied to business goals. Monitor market trends and legislative changes, bringing forward recommendations that keep programs competitive, compliant, and cost-effective. Own vendor management and RFP processes for benefits brokers, carriers, and compensation/HRIS technology partners. Build and maintain reporting, dashboards, and audit processes that give leadership clear visibility into total rewards spend, plan performance, and program effectiveness. Act as an escalation point for complex compensation and benefits questions from employees, managers, and business partners. Required Qualifications Strong, demonstrated experience in compensation and benefits, with ownership of an organization's overall benefits program (plan design, renewals, vendor management, compliance). Proven people-leadership experience managing multiple direct reports, including both analysts and HR business partners. Solid understanding of compensation structures, market pricing/benchmarking, incentive design, and pay equity practices. Working knowledge of HRIS, payroll, benefits administration systems, and Greenhouse (ATS), with experience improving processes and data accuracy. Hands-on experience leveraging AI and automation tools within HR/total rewards operations — e.g., AI-assisted compensation analytics, benefits chatbots, or workflow automation across HRIS/ATS platforms — and a strong point of view on where AI can improve service delivery. Strong grasp of relevant employment and benefits law/regulation (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, state pay transparency and leave laws). Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, comfortable presenting to senior leadership. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience. Preferred Qualifications CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist), or similar credential. Experience supporting a California-headquartered or multi-state workforce. Experience with HRIS platforms such as Workday, UKG, ADP, or similar; Greenhouse (ATS); and compensation planning tools. Track record introducing or scaling AI-powered HR technology (e.g., generative AI for market analysis, AI-enabled employee self-service, or analytics/automation layered onto HRIS and ATS systems). Prior experience building or scaling total rewards functions during periods of company growth. Location & Work Style California-based company. This role is remote/virtual eligible.