[Hiring] Interim Total Rewards Lead @Lakeside HR Group

Role Description

Our client is seeking an experienced Interim Total Rewards Consultant to provide leadership and execution across compensation, benefits, and HRIS initiatives during a critical transition period. This individual will function as the Interim Total Rewards Lead, taking ownership of key year-end priorities while ensuring projects remain on track and business needs are met. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring someone who can independently manage complex Total Rewards initiatives, lead cross-functional projects, establish priorities, and proactively identify and address risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Benefits & Open Enrollment
  • Lead all aspects of Open Enrollment planning and execution
  • Facilitate weekly Open Enrollment project meetings
  • Manage project timelines, deadlines, and stakeholder accountability
  • Partner with internal teams, brokers, carriers, vendors, payroll, communications, and HRIS resources
  • Oversee benefits system configuration, testing, and implementation activities
  • Review employee communications and enrollment materials
  • Coordinate post-enrollment audits and issue resolution
  • Supervise a Benefits Specialist and provide day-to-day guidance
  • Partner on completion of the annual 401(k) audit
• Compensation
  • Conduct compensation analyses and market pricing assessments
  • Support salary structure maintenance and job evaluations
  • Develop compensation recommendations for executive review and approval
  • Perform analytical work related to incentive programs
  • Support year-end compensation planning activities
• HRIS & Project Leadership
  • Lead Total Rewards-related HRIS initiatives and project workstreams
  • Serve as the Total Rewards lead for ongoing UKG priorities and implementations
  • Partner with HR, HRIS, Payroll, and project management teams
  • Identify dependencies across Benefits, Compensation, Payroll, and HRIS functions
  • Monitor project status, manage timelines, and escalate risks as needed
  • Ensure testing, documentation, and project handoffs are completed successfully
• Team Leadership
  • Provide day-to-day project direction and work coordination for:
    • Senior Benefits Specialist
    • Shared Benefits Coordinator (benefits-related work)

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive Total Rewards experience, including both compensation and benefits
• Strong compensation expertise, including market pricing, analyses, and salary administration
• Demonstrated experience leading Open Enrollment processes and benefits programs
• Experience managing complex, cross-functional HR projects
• Comfortable working independently in an interim leadership capacity
• HRIS project experience required; UKG experience strongly preferred
• Experience with PayFactors is a plus
• Prior experience at the Manager, Senior Manager, or Director level strongly preferred
• Strong communication, organization, and stakeholder management skills

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a seasoned Total Rewards professional who can quickly step into a leadership role, drive critical year-end initiatives, and ensure seamless execution across compensation, benefits, and HRIS projects during a period of transition. This opportunity offers the flexibility of a fully remote engagement while providing meaningful impact within a growing organization.