Compensation and Benefits Manager
Who We Are:
Challenge’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.
Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!
Together we own Safety! Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!
Who We Want:
The Compensation and Benefits manager should have a servant leader mentality with strong organizational skills. They will report to the VP of Human Resources, and they will be the key leaders in the design, implementation, and management of employee compensation and benefits programs, ERISA and other regulatory compliance matters, and unemployment administration. The ideal candidate will bring passion and positivity with a strategic and solution-focused mindset. They will also have an in-depth understanding of FMLA and the administration of employee leaves of absence. This person will thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly growing environment with a strong ability to work independently on a broad variety of projects.
What You'll Do:
- Establish SOP, maintain, review, and audit payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of monthly, bi-weekly, and any off-cycle payroll transactions, including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
- Collaborate with benefits vendors and brokers to manage benefit offerings, ensuring comprehensive, affordable coverage for our employees.
- Streamline and document procedures to make sure that all processes related to payroll and benefits are understood and followed by all field personnel.
- Stay informed about industry trends and regulatory changes to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll wage and hour laws and best practices.
- Run reports that summarize earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and non-taxable wages.
- Utilize data and analytics to assess the effectiveness of total compensation and benefits programs.
- Protect payroll and benefits operations by keeping information confidential.
- Maintain, document, and manage systems related to time and attendance, FMLA, short/ long-term disability, and other leaves of employment.
- Establish SOP, maintain, and review policies and procedures related to all fleet vehicles, including ordering replacements, monitoring usage, and maintaining the quality of all vehicles.
- Maintain, audit, and report on all benefits related to retirement benefits for employees, including 401(k) and Roth accounts.
- Collaborate with other HR functions, Finance, and Senior Leadership to align strategies with overall business goals.
- Utilize continuous improvement processes to ensure that all processes and experiences for the employee are as positive and engaging as possible.
- Develop change and communication strategies to effectively communicate all relevant programs to employees.
- Manage unemployment cases and represent the Company during hearings.
- Manage the Company's fleet of passenger vehicles.
- Manage the Company’s travel system and assist team members with travel request and required approvals.
When and Where:
This will be a corporate position located at our Corporate Office in Walker, MI.
Occasionally, this may require you to arrive early, stay late, or work on weekends, outside of our regular hours, to ensure we successfully meet customer needs, deadlines, or urgent requests.
What You Need to Have:
- Minimum of 10 years of Human Resources experience required
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in employee benefits and compensation as a key decision-maker required
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field required
- Experience working in the automotive industry is preferred
- Financial background preferred
- Strong working knowledge of state and federal regulations related to compensation, benefits, leave of absence, and unemployment
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence and manage change
- Proven experience in managing large-scale projects and delivering within budget and schedule.
- Demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction, navigate complex business environments, and build strong relationships with stakeholders
- Passion for customer and company success
- Positive team player
- Thrives in a hands-on environment
- Self-motivated and solution-focused
- Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes
- Demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work
- Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills
- Has high standards of performance for self
What We Offer:
We’re excited to offer a range of awesome benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance, Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability options, an Employer 401k Match, ESOP shares, tuition reimbursement, a Referral Bonus Program, Challenge Incentive Program, and paid time off.
Please note, while these benefits are part of what we offer, they may not all apply to this specific role. The details shared in this job description are intended to give you a general idea, but duties and responsibilities may evolve over time, with or without notice. And of course, we’re happy to provide reasonable accommodations to help individuals with disabilities succeed in their role.
