Total Rewards Program Manager

Van Andel Institute

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking a Total Rewards Program Manager to lead the strategy, design, administration, and continuous improvement of benefits, wellbeing, leave, and recognition programs. The role translates Total Rewards strategy into enterprise-wide programs that enhance the employee experience and support talent attraction and retention, while influencing organizational decisions through communication and administrative ownership. The manager leads annual benefits renewals and open enrollment, manages vendors, benchmarks programs against market trends, and analyzes utilization, employee feedback, and costs to develop recommendations and leadership dashboards. The role also supports employee communications, ensures compliance with applicable benefits and leave laws, maintains accurate Total Rewards processes and data in Workday HRIS, and partners with Compensation, HR, Payroll, and Finance to integrate programs. The manager serves as a resource to the Total Rewards team on complex program and employee issues. The position requires at least seven years of relevant experience, including enterprise-wide program administration and strategic initiatives, and a bachelor’s degree in a related field. The role is based at VAI in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Compensation is based on experience and skills; no salary range is specified. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits effective Day One.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in Total Rewards, benefits, compensation, or human resources, including responsibility for enterprise-wide program administration and strategic initiatives.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
Expertise managing employee benefits, wellbeing, leave, recognition, or other Total Rewards programs, including vendor management and program implementation.
Strong knowledge of applicable federal and state laws governing employee benefits and leave, including ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and related regulations.
Experience analyzing market trends, workforce data, financial metrics, and employee feedback to develop recommendations.
Strong expertise in benefits administration and regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of compensation program administration to help develop the Total Rewards strategy.
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines while managing several projects.
Ability to build strong relationships with employees, managers, executives, and external vendors.
Cost-conscious mindset and process-oriented approach to improving efficiency.
Microsoft Suite proficiency.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving environment and balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Relevant professional certification such as CEBS, SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, CBP, CCP, or similar.
Excel superuser proficiency.
Experience with benefit-driven HRIS systems; Workday is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead annual benefits renewals and open enrollment.
Manage vendor relationships and benchmark programs against market trends.
Analyze program utilization, employee feedback, and costs to develop insights, recommendations, and leadership dashboards.
Create clear, engaging Total Rewards communications to help employees understand and maximize their benefits and rewards.
Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and applicable leave laws.
Maintain accurate Total Rewards data and processes within Workday HRIS.
Partner with Compensation, HR, Payroll, and Finance to align and integrate programs across the organization.
Provide guidance to the Total Rewards team on complex program and employee issues.
Lead the strategy, design, administration, and continuous improvement of benefits, wellbeing, leave, and recognition programs.
Translate Total Rewards strategy into enterprise-wide programs that support employee experience, talent attraction, and retention.