Position: Vice President, Total Rewards 

Job Description: 

The Vice President, Total Rewards will lead the development, implementation, and management of the company's comprehensive total rewards strategy. This role is responsible for designing and managing competitive benefits, short-term and long-term incentive programs, PTO (Paid Time Off) plans, and equity compensation initiatives. The Vice President of Total Rewards will work closely with senior leadership to align rewards programs with the company’s strategic goals and attract, retain, and motivate top talent. 

Core Responsibilities & Duties: 

Total Rewards Strategy: Develop and lead a strategic approach to total rewards, including the design, implementation, and communication of compensation, benefits, and equity plans to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and market competitiveness.   Benefits Management: Oversee all benefits programs, including health and wellness, retirement plans, PTO policies, and other employee services, ensuring compliance and responsiveness to employee needs.   Incentive Programs: Manage short-term and long-term incentive programs, working closely with HR and leadership to design effective performance-driven rewards that drive company success and individual achievement.   Equity Compensation: Oversee equity programs, ensuring that equity is used effectively as a tool to engage and retain key talent, while managing compliance and communication around grants, vesting schedules, and employee inquiries.   Market Analysis and Benchmarking: Conduct regular market assessments to evaluate the competitiveness of compensation, benefits, and incentive programs, making recommendations for adjustments as needed.  Data Analytics and Reporting: Utilize data-driven insights to evaluate the effectiveness of total rewards programs, reporting key metrics to leadership and recommending areas for improvement.  Compliance and Governance: Ensure that all programs comply with applicable laws and regulations, while also managing risk and adhering to corporate governance standards.  Employee Communication and Engagement: Develop and lead communication strategies to ensure employees understand their total rewards packages, fostering engagement and maximizing the perceived value of these programs.   Leadership and Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of rewards professionals, ensuring the function operates effectively and collaborates across the organization. 

Qualifications: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) certification is a plus.   Experience: Minimum of 15 years of experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards roles, with at least 7 years in a leadership capacity. Experience in a transportation or logistics industry is a plus.   Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of total rewards concepts, including executive compensation, equity, health and welfare benefits, compliance, and industry trends.   Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team, manage multiple projects, and collaborate with senior leadership.   Analytical Ability: Excellent quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, with the ability to develop data-driven insights and translate them into actionable strategy.   Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information and influence decision-making at all organizational levels. 

Forward Air is an equal opportunity employer.