Director, Total Reward - Americas

About the role

The Director, Total Rewards, Americas role is accountable for shaping, driving, and executing Rewards programs that are smart and sustainable -- crafted to drive culture, attract top talent, strengthen employee engagement, and sustain a compelling people experience across the region.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the regional subject matter expert for all Total Rewards topics (Compensation, Benefits, Wellbeing, Mobility).
• Act as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for all Total Rewards matters for employees in the region, across all functions and business areas.
• Provide advisory support to HRBPs and business leaders on Total Rewards policies, practices, and decisions.
• Bring market insights from regional HR and Total Rewards networks to inform program design.
• Ensure adherence to the Total Rewards governance framework and drive understanding among key stakeholders.
• Represent the region when partnering with Global Rewards COE to align global programs with local business direction.
• Direct Total Rewards inputs into the regional AOP process and support HR leaders with planning.
• Manage annual survey benchmarking, including data submission and collaboration with the Global Compensation COE to update salary ranges.
• Oversee the global grading framework within the region in partnership with the Global Compensation COE.
• Build local grading matrices within the region where needed.
• Manage the AIP program and merit process regionally, aligning bonus plan assignments with People Business Partners and business leaders.
• Lead the deployment of global annual compensation programs, including communication, training, support, and issue resolution.
• Prepare salary proposals for out-of-cycle increases and obtain required approvals as needed.
• Care for coordination of compensation reporting and actions related to statutory requirements (e.g., EEO reporting, CBA/Union agreements).
• A strong focus on US Benefits, fully lead the design and management of the US benefits plan and environment, including medical, dental, vision, voluntary benefits, 401k and extended perks and programs.
• Ensure plans are sustainable, market-competitive, aligned to Wella values, and uniquely designed for Wella’s population.
• Oversee the design of benefits and LOA policies, plans, and procedures, co-designing alongside HR and Legal.
• Partner effectively with HR and leadership to execute benefits, changes, and deployments.
• Act as the most senior advisor for escalations for HR and payroll on compensation and benefits questions, ensuring accurate interpretation and execution of policies.
• Manage vendor relationships for Rewards & Benefits suppliers, including plan negotiations and issue resolution.
• Act as the lead audit owner for Total Rewards-related categories within the region, efficiently partnering with internal and external auditors as required.
• Ensure timely and accurate data delivery for pension valuations and audits in partnership with Finance, validating key assumptions.
• Conduct feasibility and budget impact assessments for global projects, considering local legislation and co-determination requirements.
• Deliver ongoing Total Rewards training and capability development for line managers and HRBPs across the region.

  Requirements

  • Strong communicator with the ability to understand and build positive working relationships within global cultures.
  • 10 years of relevant experience in progressive and global organizations.
  • A Bachelor’s degree in a related field, particularly with a numerate background. A second degree, particularly an MBA will be a distinct advantage.
  • Advanced skill level in PowerPoint/Excel, including use of V-Lookups, and pivot tables, is required.
  • Ability to communicate concisely and persuasively in writing as well as the ability to draft clear and effective reports, policies, etc.
  • Strong ability to communicate complex topics in concise terms.
  • Sophisticated in managing and balancing multiple priorities, stakeholders, and initiatives.
  • Experience working in a matrixed organization is a plus.
  • Project management skills.
  • Ability to follow through and complete tasks on time.
  • Solution-minded; desire to solve problems.
  • Taking ownership and accountability for outcomes is a required attitude.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Self-motivated and results driven.
  • Ability to work across cultures with all levels of organization as well as with different functions.
  • Fluent in English, both written and spoken required.
  • Additional languages such as Spanish and Portuguese will be an advantage.
  • Willingness to travel within region as needed.