Employee Benefits and Compensation Senior Manager

Job Title: Employee Benefits and Compensation Senior Manager

Location: Johannesburg

Department: Talent Development & Total Rewards

Reports To: Director of Talent Development & Total Rewards

Job Summary:

The Employee Benefits and Compensation Senior Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive compensation and benefits programs that align with EY's strategic objectives. This role involves ensuring competitive and equitable compensation structures, overseeing benefits administration, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Compensation Management:
   • Develop and manage competitive compensation programs, including salary structures, and incentive plans.
   • Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to ensure competitive pay practices.
   • Be a subject matter expert\technical point of reference for business, providing technical support/advice to assist with all compensation matters including guidance on job evaluations, salary recommendations, promotions, etc.
   • Collaborate with HR Business Partners and leadership to address compensation-related issues.
   • Support the optimisation of the working relationship with third party providers to ensure efficiency and ‘best in class’ practice.
2. Benefits Administration:
   • Oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and other employee perks.
   • Evaluate and recommend changes to benefits programs to ensure they meet employee needs and align with industry trends.
   • Manage relationships with benefits vendors and negotiate contracts to optimize cost and service levels.
   • Be a subject matter expert\technical point of reference for business, providing technical support/advice to assist with all benefits matters including guidance on claims, etc.
   • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and reporting requirements.
   • Support the optimisation of the working relationship with third party providers to ensure efficiency and ‘best in class’ practice.
3. Strategic Planning:
   • Develop and implement compensation and benefits strategies that support EY's business objectives and talent management goals.
   • Analyze workforce data and trends to inform strategic decision-making.
   • Lead projects related to compensation and benefits, including system implementations and process improvements.
   • Remain abreast of international, African and local office compensation and benefits developments and trends (including legislative and regulatory change) and review these for the impact for implementation.
4. Communication and Education:
   • Develop communication materials and conduct training sessions to educate employees and managers about compensation and benefits programs.
   • Serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance to HR and leadership on compensation and benefits matters.
5. Compliance and Reporting:
   • Ensure compliance with local regulations related to compensation and benefits.
   • Ensure that processes, control requirements and risk management frameworks are in place in line with regulatory and internal requirements.
   • Prepare and submit required reports as required by internal and external parties.
   • Monitor and respond to changes in legislation that impact compensation and benefits programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, BComm, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8-12 years of experience in compensation and benefits, with at least 6 years in a managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of compensation and benefits principles, practices, and regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in HRIS and compensation management software.

Experience:

• Strong understanding of South African labour laws, tax implications, and regulatory requirements related to rewards and benefits.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and delivering rewards and wellbeing initiatives in a multinational or complex organizational environment.