Compensation and Benefits Manager

City of Wilmington • Wilmington, NC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Wilmington is seeking an experienced Compensation & Benefits Manager to lead and oversee the City's compensation, classification, and benefits programs. This key leadership role is responsible for ensuring our compensation and classification systems are competitive, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals while providing effective administration of employee benefits, retirement, and savings plans. We are looking for a strategic and collaborative professional who can analyze compensation data, evaluate and classify positions, develop and implement policies and programs, and leverage technology to enhance compensation and benefits administration. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership, present recommendations and information to employees and stakeholders, coordinate with benefits brokers and plan carriers, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In this role, you will also contribute to city-wide initiatives, lead special projects and cross-functional teams, and play a vital role in supporting the City's commitment to attracting, retaining, and rewarding a talented workforce. If you are an experienced HR professional with a strong background in compensation, classification, benefits administration, and strategic program management, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field of study
• Five (5) years of increasingly progressive human resources experience, with a focus on compensation and benefits
• HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR or SPHR) (must obtain within 1 year)
• Valid Driver's license
• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques used in classification, compensation, benefits administration and wellness programs.
• Knowledge and ability to prepare budget for self-insured programs.
• Knowledge and ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local codes and regulations as well as City and personnel policies.
• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the benefits and compensation division of Human Resources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships through communicating and fostering a cooperative and professional culture.

Responsibilities

• Manage the City's compensation programs, including salary administration, market studies, pay analyses, and compensation recommendations.
• Administer and maintain position classifications, job descriptions, occupational classifications, and salary schedules.
• Oversee the City's self-insured health plans, supplemental benefits programs, and relationships with brokers, carriers, and third-party vendors.
• Lead wellness initiatives and evaluate program effectiveness to promote employee health, engagement, and risk reduction.
• Conduct research and analysis on compensation, benefits utilization, market trends, vendor performance, and program costs; develop recommendations for program enhancements.
• Prepare and present quantitative and qualitative analyses, reports, and recommendations to support organizational decision-making.
• Supervise and develop staff, establish work priorities, evaluate performance, ensure policy compliance, and foster professional growth.
• Work closely with internal departments, consultants, brokers, and vendors to deliver effective and cost-efficient total rewards programs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Free on-site city gym access
• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
• Tuition assistance benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager