Just Born, Inc. is a family-owned candy manufacturer that has been creating joyful moments for generations. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, we are proud to produce iconic brands like PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES®, and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®.
Our purpose is simple: to create joyful moments and build stronger communities. Guided by our highest ideals - to take care of each other, do the right thing, and give forward - we remain committed to our people, our consumers, our community, and the planet.
Position Summary:
The Senior Manager of Total Rewards will lead the design, administration, communication, and continuous improvement of the organization’s compensation, benefits, recognition, and rewards programs. This role ensures total rewards strategies are competitive, equitable, compliant, financially sustainable, and aligned with business objectives. The Senior Manager partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, Legal, business leaders, and external vendors to attract, retain, motivate, and engage talent.
Location: Bethlehem, PA
Work Model: Hybrid schedule, typically two to three days in office per week. As our ways of working evolve, we commit to communicating any changes clearly and with ample notice.
How You’ll Impact Results:
- Develop, implement, and manage total rewards strategies that support organizational goals, talent priorities, and employee engagement.
- Lead compensation programs, including job architecture, salary structures, market pricing, merit planning, incentive programs, and pay equity analysis.
- Oversee employee benefits programs, including health and welfare, retirement, wellness, leave, voluntary benefits, and related vendor relationships.
- Manage annual compensation and benefits planning cycles, ensuring accurate timelines, communications, budgets, approvals, and execution.
- Conduct market benchmarking and analyze compensation and benefits trends to maintain competitive and cost-effective programs.
- Partner with HR Business Partners and business leaders to provide guidance on offers, promotions, retention, job evaluations, and rewards decisions.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including wage and hour, pay transparency, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, FLSA, and related requirements.
- Prepare analysis, reports, and recommendations for senior leadership regarding total rewards strategy, program performance, and workforce trends.
- Lead vendor selection, contract management, service-level monitoring, and ongoing evaluation of external partners and consultants.
- Develop clear employee and manager communications that improve understanding of total rewards programs and reinforce the employee value proposition.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve data accuracy, enhance employee experience, and strengthen governance.
- Support special projects such as mergers and acquisitions, organizational redesign, executive compensation analysis, or new program implementation as needed.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking: Connects rewards programs to business priorities, workforce needs, and long-term talent strategy.
- Analytical Acumen: Uses data, benchmarking, and financial analysis to inform decisions and measure program effectiveness.
- Consultative Partnership: Advises leaders with sound judgment, practical recommendations, and a balanced view of employee and business needs.
- Operational Excellence: Manages complex processes accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable requirements.
- Communication: Explains compensation and benefits concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
- Integrity and Confidentiality: Handles sensitive employee, compensation, and organizational information with discretion.
Your Qualifications That Will Ensure Success:
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in compensation, benefits, total rewards, or HR operations, including experience leading complex rewards programs.
- Strong knowledge of compensation design, market pricing, salary structures, incentive plans, benefits administration, and HR legal and compliance requirements.
- Proven experience optimizing processes, and implementation of benefit and compensation programs, processes and systems
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data, develop insights, build recommendations, and present findings to senior leaders.
- Experience managing vendors, consultants, budgets, program timelines, and cross-functional projects.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience using HRIS, compensation planning, benefits administration, and reporting tools.
- Strong communication, consulting, project management, and stakeholder management skills.
- Analytical and strategic thinking skills, including complex problem-solving ability. Ability to think innovatively "out-of the box" with a continuous improvement mindset
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, influence others and act as a consultative partner to all levels of the business
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Benefits Professional, Certified Employee Benefit Specialist, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or related certification.
- Experience supporting multi-state, union, manufacturing, food production, consumer products, or similarly complex workforces.
- Experience with pay transparency, pay equity analytics, executive compensation, recognition programs, or global rewards programs.
- Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
Just Born is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
Our Pledge to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
Vision
Just Born’s Vision is to create a workplace where every associate feels inspired and confident to bring their whole selves to work.
Purpose
Our purpose is to bring sweetness to people’s lives which can only be fully realized if Just Born values every individual we touch.
To pursue this vision:
- We will act boldly with integrity, authenticity and humility
- We will listen with intent, curiosity and a passion to learn and grow
- We will lift all voices and create an equitable environment for all
Why it’s Sweet to Work at Just Born:
- Legacy & Stability: 103+ years of iconic brands and family-owned success.
- Inclusive Culture: We’re building a workplace where everyone belongs and can thrive.
- Competitive Compensation: Base salary, Achievement Awards, and generous 401(k) with company contributions.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA contributions, and flexible options.
- Work/Life Balance: Hybrid schedule, Early Fridays, Paid time off and holidays from day one.
- Wellness & Growth: Onsite wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and Employee Assistance Programs.
