Manager, HR - Total Rewards

About the role

The Total Rewards Manager helps create and support programs that enable Goodwill team members to live healthy, productive lives. This role leads benefits, wellness, and leave programs while helping Goodwill manage costs responsibly. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for a strong benefits professional with working knowledge of compensation practices and a commitment to responsive team member service.

Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, this leader serves on the People Leadership Team and supervises two direct reports: the Benefits Manager and the Leave of Absence Analyst. The role partners with the Director of Recognition and Engagement, Director of Talent Management, Finance, Payroll, people managers, and external providers. The position has exposure to senior leadership when promoting benefits programs and leading open enrollment communications.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, service-oriented leader with depth in benefits administration, carrier and vendor relationships, claims cost analysis, wellness, and leave management. The ideal candidate brings sound judgment, analytical ability, discretion with sensitive information, and experience developing others. Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills are essential, including the ability to engage senior leaders, explain benefits programs clearly, and tailor communications to different audiences. Working knowledge of compensation, merit cycles, and incentive administration is important; benefits and leave expertise are the primary focus.

Responsibilities

Benefits and financial stewardship

• Oversee employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, the 403(b) retirement plan, tuition assistance, wellness, and Goodwill Cares, the employee assistance program.
• Monitor medical claims cost trends and program utilization; work with carriers, brokers, and other partners to identify opportunities to improve care, service, plan value, and cost management.
• Support renewals and evaluate plan options, pricing, and vendor performance to secure competitive rates and dependable service.
• Partner with Finance on benefits budgets, forecasts, and reporting.
• Lead open enrollment, employee education, and benefits communications, including presentations and discussions with senior leaders.
• Maintain and update the benefits handbook and coordinate accurate administration, records, and required reporting with internal teams and external partners.

Wellness and employee well being

• Advance programs that support employees’ mental and physical well-being, promote preventive care, and improve awareness and use of available resources.
• Partner across the People organization to make wellness practical and accessible, assess participation and employee feedback, and improve program effectiveness.

Leave management and return to work

• Oversee leave of absence programs and related ADA accommodation and FMLA processes, ensuring consistent administration, timely communication, appropriate documentation, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Guide the Leave of Absence Analyst and coordinate with managers, employees, providers, and external administrators to resolve cases and support employees throughout leave and return to work.
• Promote timely, safe return to work through appropriate accommodations, modified work, or light duty where available and appropriate, consistent with medical restrictions, protected leave rights, and applicable requirements.

Compensation support

• Apply working knowledge of compensation practices to support annual merit increases and the administration of hourly and exempt employee incentive plans.
• Partner with the Chief People Officer and Finance on compensation analysis, market comparisons, internal equity considerations, and clear communication of pay programs.

Team leadership and continuous improvement

• Coach and develop the Benefits Manager and Leave of Absence Analyst; establish clear priorities, service expectations, and accountability.
• Stay current with industry standards and emerging practices, and use AI technology to improve the team member experience.
• Use program data, team member feedback, and vendor results to improve processes, strengthen data accuracy, and recommend practical changes to the People Leadership Team.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Certifications

• SPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP highly preferred.

Experience and skills

• At least 5-7 years of Human Resources experience required.
• 1-2 years of supervisory experience required.
• Experience working with confidential information.
• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining employee compensation and benefits programs.
• Advanced computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Ability to adapt to different communication styles.
• Excellent knowledge of HR practices and principles, all applicable labor, pay, benefits, health and safety laws and regulations.
• Excellent negotiation and critical thinking skills.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently and multi-task.
• Ability to collect and analyze data—both qualitatively and quantitatively.
• Strong professional acumen.
• Ability to establish and manage vendor relationships.
• Excellent planning, time management, decision-making, presentation, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; personal transportation vehicle required.

Benefits

Goodwill believes strongly in supporting our team members and offers excellent benefits, professional development, and opportunities for internal career growth. We are continuously looking for opportunities to expand our benefits program to accommodate the needs of our team members.

Benefits for all employees

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Money Purchase Pension Plan
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Telehealth
• Employee Referral Program
• Quarterly Incentive Programs (for all retail positions)
• Corporate Discount Programs

Additional benefits for full-time team members (30+ hours per week)

• Medical Insurance
• Prescription Coverage
• Dental and Vision Coverage
• Flex Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement