Career & application guide

Compensation and Benefits Managers

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What do compensation and benefits managers do?

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Benefits Coordinator
  • Benefits Director
  • Benefits Manager
  • Compensation and Benefits Director
  • Compensation and Benefits Manager
  • Compensation Director
  • Compensation Manager
  • Employee Benefits Coordinator

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies.
  • Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.
  • Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
  • Analyze compensation policies, government regulations, and prevailing wage rates to develop competitive compensation plan.
  • Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees by working with brokers and researching benefits issues.
  • Manage the design and development of tools to assist employees in benefits selection, and to guide managers through compensation decisions.
  • Administer, direct, and review employee benefit programs, including the integration of benefit programs following mergers and acquisitions.
  • Mediate between benefits providers and employees, such as by assisting in handling employees' benefits-related questions or taking suggestions.
  • Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate work activities of subordinates and staff relating to employment, compensation, labor relations, and employee relations.
  • Prepare detailed job descriptions and classification systems and define job levels and families, in partnership with other managers.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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