Total Rewards Manager

Total Rewards Manager

Bigelow Tea is the number one specialty tea company in the United States. We are a family owned and operated business and a Certified B Corporation. Being a certified B Corp officially recognizes a commitment that has been part of the company’s DNA since it was founded over 80 years ago. Our purpose has always been about much more than making profits.

We are committed to good citizenship, ethical business practices, accountability, transparency, protecting the environment, sustainability and supporting our communities. We pride ourselves in caring about each and every one of our employees. We have a long-term outlook and are constantly working to create an environment that inspires people to make positive contributions every day. Bigelow is currently looking for a select, talented individual, that shares our values, to join our growing team.

Located in our Corporate Office in Fairfield, CT, the Total Rewards Manager is responsible for the design, administration, and continuous improvement of the Company's compensation, benefits, wellness, recognition, and employee engagement programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, this role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of Total Rewards while ensuring programs support the Company's business objectives, family-owned culture, and employee value proposition.

As a key member of the HR team, the Total Rewards Manager partners closely with executive leadership, including the VP of Human Resources, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Executive Officer, to develop competitive and cost-effective compensation and benefits strategies. The role also oversees employee wellness initiatives, recognition programs, and company-wide events that reinforce employee engagement and organizational culture.

The Total Rewards Manager directly supervises one Senior Total Rewards Analyst and manages relationships with external vendors, including the Company's benefits broker and benefit plan partners.

• Develop, implement, and maintain compensation programs that support business goals and attract, retain, and motivate employees.
• Lead annual compensation planning processes, including merit increases, market adjustments, incentive programs, and salary structure reviews.
• Conduct market pricing and compensation benchmarking to ensure competitive and equitable pay practices.
• Partner with business leaders and HR colleagues on job evaluations, organizational design, pay recommendations, and career framework development.
• Partner with Payroll on leave administration to ensure accurate and timely payments for employees
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local compensation-related regulations.
• Analyze compensation data and trends to provide recommendations to senior leadership.

• Manage the Company's self-insured health and welfare benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, LTD and voluntary benefits.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager with the Company's benefits broker, third-party administrators, stop-loss carriers, consultants, and other benefit vendors.
• Lead annual benefits strategy development, renewal processes, plan design evaluations, and open enrollment activities including communication and education.
• Monitor healthcare utilization, claims trends, and plan performance to identify opportunities for cost containment and program enhancement.
• Oversees COBRA administration.
• Administers retiree benefits including communication and collection of Medicare Supplemental Insurance premium.
• Sources and maintains relationship with EAP provider.
• Administers company's leave programs including FMLA, CT Paid FMLA, LTD, WC, Bigelow PTO and short-term disability.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, and other applicable regulations.
• Partner with finance and executive leadership to develop benefits budgets and forecasts.

• Design, implement, and evaluate employee wellness and well-being programs that support employee health, engagement, and productivity.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to increase participation and awareness of wellness offerings.
• Monitor wellness program effectiveness and recommend enhancements based on employee feedback and program outcomes.

• Lead administration of employee recognition programs, including the Company's Service Anniversary Program and other recognition initiatives.
• Coordinate and oversee major company-sponsored events, including:
  • Tea Pot Dinner
  • Annual Holiday Party
  • Summer Picnic
  • Employee appreciation and recognition events
• Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure programs reinforce company culture and values.

• Develop and maintain Total Rewards dashboards, metrics, and reporting.
• Analyze compensation, benefits, wellness, and engagement…