Total Rewards Manager
We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 600+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.
As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place to Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.
About The Role
Rincon Consultants is seeking a Total Rewards Manager to lead the design, delivery, and continuous evolution of our compensation and benefits programs. This role is both strategic and hands-on—ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of data, systems, and employee experience.
You’ll partner closely with leadership, HR, and cross-functional teams to ensure our total rewards programs are competitive, equitable, compliant, and aligned with our culture and growth strategy.
What Sets You Apart
- You bring a modern, data-driven approach to Total Rewards
- You’ve built or improved scalable compensation processes and systems
- You balance strategic thinking with operational execution
- You communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences
Our Total Rewards Manager plays a critical role in how we attract, retain, and engage talent. You will shape programs that directly impact employee experience while building scalable, modern systems that support a growing organization.
How We Collaborate
This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner across the organization, and may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office. Eligible office locations for this role include: Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
(Please note: While this role's location is listed as a single location, we encourage you to apply if you reside in or near any of the CA locations listed above.)
What You’ll Do:
Compensation Strategy & Programs -
- Evolve a market-informed, equitable, and performance-driven compensation philosophy
- Lead pay equity analyses and ensure consistent, fair pay practices
- Manage salary structures, benchmarking, and job architecture
- Design and improve technology-enabled compensation processes (annual + off-cycle)
- Partner with leaders to ensure consistent application of compensation guidelines
- Oversee bonus, incentive, and recognition programs aligned with performance
- Evaluate program effectiveness and drive improvements
- Lead administration of health, retirement, and wellness programs
- Manage annual renewals, vendor negotiations, and cost strategy
- Own relationships with brokers, carriers, and consultants
- Drive performance, service quality, and cost optimization
- Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and related regulations
- Support audits, reporting, and governance practices
- Deliver clear, transparent communication on compensation and benefits
- Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leaders
- Track metrics on compensation competitiveness, utilization, and ROI
- Use data insights to evolve programs and inform decisions
What You Bring:
- 7–10+ years of progressive experience in Total Rewards, Compensation, and/or Benefits
- Strong expertise in compensation program design, benchmarking, and pay equity
- Experience leading benefits renewals and vendor negotiations
- Analytical mindset with experience using HRIS and data tools
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices
- Experience in professional services or multi-disciplinary environments preferred
- Certifications such as CCP, CBP, or CEBS are a plus
Investing in You
The base salary range for this full-time position is $130,000–$150,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement.
Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page.
Additional Employment Information
Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.
Rincon Consultants does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.