Total Rewards Manager

Portland, OR

Full Time

Human Resources

Manager/Supervisor

ZGF is seeking a Total Rewards Manager to lead the design, development, and implementation of our compensation and benefits strategy. This role is instrumental in shaping our pay philosophy, job leveling, market benchmarking, and pay equity initiatives. In addition, this leader will drive and execute competitive benefits program across our US and Canadian workforce.

This leader will work collaboratively with our People & Culture team to foster a rewards strategy that supports a positive employee experience. They will focus on driving clear, effective communication of total rewards programs to employees and leadership, managing vendor relationships, and continuously evaluating programs to optimize the employee experience and firm impact. The ideal candidate brings deep compensation expertise and hands-on experience in benefit program management.

This role is based in our Portland, OR office.

As a Total Rewards Manager you will…

Compensation

• Lead the development and maintenance of US & Canadian salary structures, pay bands, and job levels, ensuring internal equity and market competitiveness

• Develop & communicate clear compensation policies, guidelines, and tools for employees and managers

• Ensure compliance with pay-related laws and regulations, including FLSA classification, pay equity, and emerging pay transparency requirements in applicable states

• Partner with the People & Culture team to review compensation-related matters, including offer packages, promotions, and pay adjustments

• Track and maintain budgets for all one-off compensation items, sign-on bonus, spot bonuses, relocation agreements, off cycle increases.

Benefits

• Implement, administer and communicate benefit programs, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary programs, FSA, EAP, COBRA, 401(k), leave of absence, paid time off, etc.

• Manage benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators, ensuring service level agreements and employee experience standards are met.

• Drive continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency, automation, and an engaging employee experience.

• Prepare materials and conduct presentations regarding benefit changes, open enrollment, and new employee orientations.

• Processes monthly billings from insurance providers. Identifies, manages and resolves errors resulting from benefit administration, HRIS system and enrollment processes.

• Ensure compliance with all federal programs (Provincial in Canada) such as HIPAA, COBRA, Health Care Reform, etc.

• Conduct internal audits related to benefits, classifications, etc.; prepare information for external audits as needed.

• Oversee US and Canadian retirement plan administration including compliance activities, participant communication, due diligence, and fund monitoring

• Administer workers compensation insurance program and claims process. Provide internal medical case management for claims and other on-the-job injuries; aid with OSHA reporting as needed.

• Manager and administer wide range of company-provided insured and voluntary benefits such as life, disability, LOA, AD&D, long-term care, salary continuance, paid time off, flexible spending account, health savings account, and other programs

Leadership & Communication

• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and managers on total rewards policies, programs, and strategy

• Partner closely with People & Culture leaders to develop and implement our people ops and experience strategy

• Share total rewards trends with firmwide leadership to inform decisions and influence change

• Develop and deliver clear, engaging communication materials to promote understanding and utilization of benefits programs

• Champion employee wellbeing initiatives (mental, physical, financial)

• Other projects, as assigned, to drive an engaging total rewards strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of related work experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field. Professional certification preferred

• CCP or CBP certification preferred

• Experience in the AEC industry or in a professional services firm strongly preferred

• Must possess ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion with regards to project, business and personnel matters

• Proficient in the use of HRIS (Ceridian and Deltek Vision preferred), Outlook and MS Office Suite

• Knowledge of FMLA, CFRA, HIPAA, COBRA and other federal, state and local regulations

• Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills, and ability to interact effectively with employees and Partners of the firm.

• Attention to detail, paired with flexibility and a can-do spirit

• Must possess a strong work ethic and ability to respond with urgency to requests in a fast-paced work environment

• Knowledge of architectural / engineering terminology a plus, though not required

Base Salary Range

$135,000/yr - $158,000/yr depending on skills and experience.

Benefits

ZGF Employees Enjoy Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with a generous employer contribution, HSA with employer contribution, 401k with employer match, 4 weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, paid parental and family leave programs.

Apply With:

· Cover letter

· Resume

We know that great projects take more than a design team to become a reality. Whether you’re a finance professional, project manager, or specialist in another field, your expertise helps create a healthier, more equitable built environment. Studies show that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t check every box—your skills and experiences may be exactly what we need.

ZGF Architects is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, we are excited to consider qualified candidates.

If you're ready to contribute to meaningful work, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume online.

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