Recognition Director, Iselin, NJ

Employee Recognition Director, Iselin, NJ

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Employee Recognition Director is responsible for designing, delivering, and managing enterprise-wide recognition programs that elevate performance, reinforce culture, and enhance the employee experience. This role aligns recognition initiatives with the company’s guiding principles and business objectives to drive employee engagement and organizational impact. The Employee Recognition Director partners with executive leadership, the Employee Experience Committee, and other business partners to develop recognition initiatives that motivate and inspire performance.

The incumbent oversees recognition platforms, enterprise award celebrations, vendor relationships, program budgets, and the measurement of program effectiveness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and execution of enterprise-wide employee reward and recognition programs aligned with the company’s culture and business objectives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, the Employee Experience Committee, and other business partners to ensure recognition programs motivate and inspire employee performance.
• Partner with stakeholders across the organization to establish, track, and report key performance and recognition metrics.
• Use data, employee feedback, participation trends, and engagement insights to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide recommendations to senior leadership regarding recognition strategy, program performance, and opportunities for organizational impact.
• Ensure recognition programs and awards reflect the company’s mission, vision, and guiding principles.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and third-party vendors to plan and lead enterprise award celebrations and other events recognizing employee performance and contributions.
• Oversee employee recognition and rewards platforms, including peer-to-peer and leadership recognition programs.
• Drive enterprise-wide adoption and participation in recognition programs and platforms.
• Design and manage recognition programs that are inspiring, user-friendly, financially responsible, fair, and consistent.
• Ensure recognition practices align with applicable policies, compensation guidelines, internal controls, and regulatory considerations.
• Manage budgets associated with recognition programs and employee events.
• Work with vendors and internal business partners to execute programs and events.
• Lead, coach, and develop employees in accordance with the organization’s policies and leadership expectations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of relevant experience successfully designing and delivering employee recognition programs, including senior leadership and enterprise-wide events
• Demonstrated experience partnering with business leaders to design and execute employee performance recognition initiatives and events
• A passion for inspiring top performers and employee engagement
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to design, scale, and optimize enterprise-wide programs
• Demonstrated experience in executive-level stakeholder management with the ability to influence and collaborate across senior leadership
• Strong executive presence and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Data-driven mindset with experience in reporting, analytics, and insights-based decision making
• Experience with employee engagement, culture, and recognition program development
• Strong project and event management capabilities, including cross-functional coordination
• Proficiency in recognition/rewards platforms and vendor management
• Knowledge of compensation practices, compliance requirements, and internal controls
• Budget management and financial oversight experience
• Proven people leadership, coaching, and team development…