Compensation & Benefits Manager at Hearst Communications Inc. in Des Moines, Iowa

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities:

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  Compensation Strategy Development:
  
  
  • Design and implement competitive compensation structures, including salary ranges, incentive programs, and bonuses.
  
  
  • Conduct job evaluations, market analyses, and salary benchmarking to ensure pay equity and competitiveness.
  
  
  • Partner with leadership to align compensation policies with business goals.
  
  
  • Oversee the annual salary review process and other compensation programs.
  
  
  
  


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  Benefits Program Management:
  
  
  
  • Manage and communicate a rich and extensive employee benefits program, including disability, leave of absence, workers compensation, professional development and work accommodations.
  
  
  • Monitor and assess benefits offerings to ensure they are competitive and meet the needs of our employee population. 
  
  
  • Collaborate with the Corporate Benefits team on the rollout or enhancement of any new or existing benefit programs, trainings or events.
  
  
  • Oversee all aspects of benefits administration, including open enrollment, weekly benefits orientation, employee inquiries, and compliance reporting.
  
  
  
  


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  Compliance and Legal Requirements:
  
  
  
  • Ensure compensation and benefits programs comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including FLSA, ERISA, ACA, and local labor laws.
  
  
  • Stay informed on changes in legislation affecting compensation and benefits programs and implement necessary adjustments.
  
  
  • Manage employee communications regarding changes in compensation and benefits policies.
  
  
  
  


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  Data Analysis & Reporting:
  
  
  
  • Analyze compensation and benefits data to assess effectiveness and competitiveness of programs.
  
  
  • Provide detailed reports on compensation trends, turnover rates, and benefits utilization.
  
  
  • Prepare and present compensation and benefits recommendations to senior management.
  
  
  
  


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  Employee Relations and Support:
  
  
  
  • Provide guidance and support to HR team members and managers regarding compensation and benefits issues.
  
  
  
  


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  HR Collaboration:
  
  
  
  • Collaborate with HR and other departments to ensure alignment between compensation and benefits programs and overall HR strategies.
  
  
  • Support talent acquisition efforts by providing competitive compensation packages for new hires.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.


• 5+ years of experience in compensation and benefits management.


• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local compensation and benefits regulations.


• Proficiency in HRIS systems and compensation/benefits software.


• Advanced Excel skills and experience with data analysis tools.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to align compensation and benefits programs with organizational goals.


• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.


• High level of confidentiality and professionalism.


• Knowledge of Oracle a plus.