Compensation and Benefits Manager

The Compensation and Benefits Manager is responsible for designing, administering, and continuously improving the Company’s compensation and benefits programs to attract, retain, and engage talent. The role manages total rewards strategy, ensures regulatory compliance, and serves as the subject matter expert for compensation structures, benefits administration, leave programs, and HRIS data integrity. Partnering closely with the Director of Human Resources and cross-functional leaders, this role ensures that pay practices and benefit offerings are competitive, equitable, and aligned with the Company’s financial and cultural objectives.

• Support efforts in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new employees. Foster a culture of continuous learning by providing training and development opportunities to enhance team skills and performance.
• Effectively manage employee performance by clearly communicating expectations, providing regular and constructive feedback, and addressing both positive contributions and areas for improvement. Foster a culture of accountability and continuous growth.
• Promote a positive and inclusive work environment by actively recognizing achievements, addressing employee concerns promptly, and using approaches to maintain high levels of employee satisfaction and retention.
• Design, implement, and administer the Company’s compensation programs, including base pay structures, salary bands, job leveling, and incentive and variable pay plan design. Conduct regular market analyses, salary survey submissions, and pay equity reviews to ensure pay practices remain competitive, equitable, and defensible.
• Manage the full benefits administration lifecycle, including plan selection and renewal, carrier relationships, open enrollment, employee communications, and day-to-day issue resolution for health, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefit programs.
• Administer leave programs, including FMLA, state leave laws, ADA accommodations, and company-sponsored leave policies. Serve as the primary point of contact for leave-related inquiries and ensure consistent, compliant administration across the organization.
• Oversee the payroll function through direct supervision of the payroll team, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in full compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. Conduct regular payroll audits to verify the accuracy of pay calculations, deductions, tax withholdings, and payroll data integrity. Serve as the escalation point for payroll discrepancies, audits, and regulatory inquiries, and maintain ultimate accountability for the accuracy, compliance, and integrity of all payroll operations.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of compensation, benefits, and payroll data within the HRIS, partnering with the People Systems & Analytics Manager on system configuration, reporting needs, and process improvements that affect the total rewards function.
• Ensure compensation and benefits programs remain in full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, FLSA, and equal pay requirements. Monitor regulatory changes and proactively update programs and policies accordingly.
• Develop and deliver employee education and communications related to compensation, benefits, and leave programs, ensuring employees understand the value of their total rewards package and know how to access and utilize available resources.
• Build and maintain compensation analytics capabilities, including salary survey participation, pay equity analysis, and total rewards modeling. Translate data into clear, actionable insights that inform leadership decisions on compensation investments, program design, and workforce planning.
• Develop and present annual compensation and benefits budget recommendations and long-range workforce planning inputs to senior leadership, partnering with Finance to model cost scenarios and ensure total rewards strategies align with the Company's financial objectives.
• Manage relationships with benefits brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators, ensuring service level expectations are met and the Company receives maximum value from vendor partnerships.
• Continuously evaluate and improve total rewards processes, workflows, and systems to reduce administrative burden, increase accuracy, and enhance the overall employee experience. Identify opportunities for automation or technology-enabled efficiencies and drive implementation in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
• Follow, promote, and enforce all labor laws, safety policies, practices, and procedures to ensure safe working conditions and behaviors are maintained. Assist with safety investigations and corrective actions related to safety hazards and/or incidents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in compensation, benefits, and payroll administration, with demonstrated experience managing full-cycle benefits programs, compensation analysis, and payroll oversight.
• Working knowledge of HRIS platforms (experience with Paycom preferred); ability to navigate system reporting and maintain data integrity.
• Experience administering leave programs in compliance with FMLA, ADA, and applicable state leave laws.
• Experience overseeing or supervising payroll operations, including knowledge of payroll compliance requirements, pay calculation auditing, tax withholding regulations, and multi-state payroll administration.
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR certification preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, model scenarios, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively share information across teams and stakeholders.
• Proficient in computer and technology skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

About Us

Juniper is a full-service landscape design, build, and management company servicing the Southeast. Our family of companies proudly includes Juniper, Davis Landscape, Elegant Landscape & Design, Shooter & Lindsey, and Hilton Head Landscapes.  We are recognized as award-winning leaders in our industry with over 30 locations and 2,000+ team members. At Juniper, the foundation of who we are, how we perform, and how we treat others is guided by our core values. We are committed to a culture that welcomes, grows, and celebrates people who share in our mission to design, build, and maintain the best landscaping in the industry. 

We offer career growth opportunities and excellent benefits (health/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and PTO plans).  Join our company, where we Welcome/Grow/Celebrate you at Juniper!