Manager, HR - Total Rewards

Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC•Winston-Salem, NC

About The Position

The Total Rewards Manager leads benefits, wellness, and leave programs that support Goodwill team members’ health and productivity while helping the organization manage costs responsibly. This hands-on leadership role requires deep benefits expertise and working knowledge of compensation practices, with a strong focus on responsive team member service. Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, the manager serves on the People Leadership Team and supervises the Benefits Manager and Leave of Absence Analyst. The role partners with People leaders, Finance, Payroll, people managers, and external providers, and engages senior leaders in benefits program communications and open enrollment. The position oversees benefits administration and financial stewardship, wellness initiatives, leave and return-to-work processes, and compensation support. It also coaches and develops direct reports and uses data, feedback, vendor results, and emerging practices—including AI technology—to improve the team member experience and program effectiveness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
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 and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to adapt to different communication styles.
Excellent knowledge of HR practices and principles, and applicable labor, pay, benefits, health, and safety laws and regulations.
Excellent negotiation and critical-thinking skills.
Detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently and multitask.
Ability to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
Strong professional acumen.
Ability to establish and manage vendor relationships.
Excellent planning, time-management, decision-making, presentation, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Valid driver’s license required.
Personal transportation vehicle required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
SPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification highly preferred.
Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, the 403(b) retirement plan, tuition assistance, wellness, and the Goodwill Cares employee assistance program.
Monitor medical claims costs and program utilization; work with carriers, brokers, and partners to improve care, service, plan value, and cost management.
Support benefit renewals and evaluate plan options, pricing, and vendor performance; 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 benefits administration, records, and required reporting with internal teams and external partners.
Advance programs supporting employees’ mental and physical well-being, preventive care, and awareness and use of available resources.
Partner across the People organization to make wellness programs practical and accessible; assess participation and feedback and improve program effectiveness.
Oversee leave programs and related ADA accommodation and FMLA processes, ensuring consistent administration, timely communication, appropriate documentation, confidentiality, and compliance.
Guide the Leave of Absence Analyst and coordinate with managers, employees, providers, and external administrators to resolve cases and support employees during 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.
Apply working knowledge of compensation practices to support annual merit increases and 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 communication of pay programs.
Coach and develop the Benefits Manager and Leave of Absence Analyst; establish 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.

Benefits

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.
For full-time team members working 30 or more hours per week: medical insurance, prescription coverage, dental and vision coverage, medical and dependent-care flexible spending accounts, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement.
Professional development and opportunities for internal career growth.