Reward & Recognition Manager

Classic Westchester • Port Barrington, IL

21h

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Reward & Recognition Manager to lead and evolve total rewards, compensation, and recognition programs for a mid-sized organization. This role blends strategic design with advanced analytics and requires strong presentation skills to influence senior leadership. Experience in environmental, manufacturing, or industrial environments is strongly preferred.

Requirements

• 7-10+ years of experience in compensation, total rewards, or recognition program leadership
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field (Master's or certification preferred)
• Experience working in a mid-sized organization; environmental, manufacturing, or industrial experience strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of compensation design, incentive plans, and recognition frameworks
• Advanced Excel skills required (pivot tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, complex formulas, data modeling)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into recommendations
• Excellent presentation and communication skills with executive-level stakeholders
• Highly detail-oriented with strong project management and organizational skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing or implementing digital recognition platforms
• Benefits strategy or cost-analysis experience as part of a total rewards function
• HR certifications such as CCP, CEBS, SHRM-SCP, or SPHR
• Experience with HRIS, compensation planning tools, or analytics platforms (Power BI, Tableau)

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage reward, recognition, and total compensation programs aligned with business strategy
• Lead compensation structures including salary bands, incentive plans, bonus programs, and job leveling frameworks
• Develop and manage employee recognition programs that drive engagement, performance, and retention
• Conduct market pricing, salary surveys, and competitive benchmarking analyses
• Lead annual compensation review, merit cycle planning, and budget modeling
• Build and maintain advanced Excel models, dashboards, and reports to analyze compensation, benefits costs, and workforce trends
• Analyze data to identify trends, anomalies, risks, and cost drivers; prepare executive-ready summaries and presentations
• Partner with HR, Finance, and senior leadership on total rewards strategy and decision-making
• Ensure compliance with federal and state compensation and benefits regulations
• Manage external vendors related to compensation surveys and recognition platforms

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with annual incentive opportunity
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life, disability)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Professional development and certification support
• Opportunity to influence organizational culture through rewards and recognition strategy

What This Job Offers

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