Manager, HR - Total Rewards

Goodwill Brand•Winston-Salem, NC

About The Position

The Total Rewards Manager leads Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina’s benefits, wellness, and leave programs, supporting team members’ health and productivity while managing costs responsibly. This hands-on leadership role requires deep benefits expertise and working knowledge of compensation practices, along with a strong commitment to responsive 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 collaborates with People leaders, Finance, Payroll, managers, and external providers, and engages senior leadership on benefits programs and open enrollment communications. Key areas include benefits administration and financial stewardship, employee well-being, leave and return-to-work processes, compensation support, team leadership, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 5–7 years of Human Resources experience required.
At least 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, with the 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.
Ability to work independently and multitask.
Ability to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
Strong professional acumen and 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 other partners to improve care, service, plan value, and cost management.
Support 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.
Advance programs supporting employees’ mental and physical well-being, preventive care, and awareness and use of available resources.
Partner across the People organization to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of wellness programs using participation and employee feedback.
Oversee leave of absence 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 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, setting 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 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, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement.
Professional development and opportunities for internal career growth.