Rewards Manager, HR​/Recruitment

COMPANY SUMMARY

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused REIT that owns and operates a portfolio of well-leased, top of tier, modernized, amenitized, and well-located office, retail, and multifamily assets. ESRT’s flagship Empire State Building, the “World's Most Famous Building,” features its iconic Observation Deck. The Company is a recognized leader in energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. As of June 30, 2026, ESRT’s portfolio is comprised of approximately 7.5 million rentable square feet of office space, 0.8 million rentable square feet of retail space and 743 residential units.

More information about Empire State Realty Trust can be found at  and by following ESRT on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, X and Linked In.

The Total Rewards Manager manages the day-to-day administration of ESRT’s benefits, payroll, union obligations, and related accounting processes. This role ensures accurate and compliant program delivery and serves as a trusted resource for employees and business partners. In partnership with the Director of Total Rewards, the Manager will strengthen processes, support strategic initiatives, and enhance the employee experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement, leave programs, workers' compensation, and disability.
• Manage vendor relationships, annual census reporting, 401(k) nondiscrimination testing, 401(k) annual audit, and employee communications.
• Lead annual open enrollment, including ADP plan and profile setup, carrier file feeds, ACA reporting, meetings, and employee support.
• Resolve escalated benefits issues and review monthly benefit invoices, invoice allocations, union benefit payments, and remittances; process them directly when backup is needed.
• Oversee HSA employer funding, year-end 401(k) true‑up calculations, ESS system audits, and wellness initiatives.
• Serve as Secretary of the 401(k) Fiduciary Committee.
• Manage payroll operations and provide review of weekly time & attendance and payroll.
• Share weekly timecard review and employee transaction entry with the Coordinator and Specialist and step in directly when coverage is needed for the Thursday pay date.
• Ensure employee payroll records, tax withholding forms, deductions, status changes, and annual W-2 reviews are accurate and complete.
• Oversee union payroll records, employer self-service systems, dues and benefit payments, and union audits
• Lead all related audits for union and non-union payroll.
• Develop payroll and benefits procedures and lead improvements to systems, workflows, reporting, compliance, and data security.
• Support the Head of Total Rewards with budgets, reporting & analysis, projects, and broader Total Rewards initiatives.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Ensures accurate, timely weekly payroll and benefit and union remittances across the employee population.
• Maintains effective controls, audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and clear accountability.
• Helps with building a capable team with documented processes and dependable backup coverage.
• Improves service, cost, and efficiency through practical process and system changes.
• Builds productive relationships with employees, leaders, vendors, unions, and business partners.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Seven or more years of payroll and benefits administration experience, including people management.
• Required union payroll experience and working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements.
• Working knowledge of ACA, ERISA, FMLA, PFL, and other federal and state payroll and benefits requirements.
• Experience managing retirement plans and benefit vendors, audits, renewals, and annual cycles.
• Advanced Excel and strong payroll and benefits reporting and analytical…