Manager, Total Rewards | US

Degreed is the upskilling platform that fuels growth and innovation through lifelong learning. We bring together everything you need to learn and advance: LMSs, courses, videos, articles, projects, and real-world skill insights, matching you with opportunities that align with your skills, role, and goals.For businesses, Degreed helps build a culture of learning that attracts, develops, and retains top talent, driving both individual and company success.We believe learning is the key to unlocking opportunities. Our mission is to discover, empower, and celebrate the next generation of global expertise.Join us in shaping the future of learning and workforce development!Degreed is seeking a Manager, Total Rewards to provide strategic oversight of global payroll operations, benefits, and total rewards, ensuring consistency, compliance, and operational excellence across our global workforce. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the financial integrity, compliance, and scalability of our payroll and benefits operations as Degreed continues to grow globally.Working closely with People Operations, Finance, and external vendors, you will oversee global payroll processes, benefits administration, and internal controls, while also supporting broader Total Rewards initiatives such as compensation cycles, reporting, and systems optimization.This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complexity, improving processes, and building scalable global operations, while partnering cross-functionally to deliver a high-quality employee experience.Key Skills5+ years of progressive experience across payroll and benefits, with experience and/or exposure to Total Rewards.Proven ability to build and scale Total Rewards infrastructure and processes.Experience overseeing payroll across multiple geographies (US and EMEA required; additional regions a plus) with strong knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, and statutory benefits requirements.Hands-on experience with payroll and HRIS systems such as HiBob, ADP Workforce Now, Deel, Papaya Global, or similar platforms.Experience supporting compensation processes such as merit cycles, bonus programs, and benchmarking preferred.Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy, controls, and operational integrity.Experience managing vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators.Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and generate insights.Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, global environment and drive process improvements.Key ResponsibilitiesTotal Rewards Strategy & OptimizationHelp build and scale a cohesive global Total Rewards strategy that supports talent attraction, retention, and organizational growth.Support compensation cycles, including merit, bonus, and benchmarking processes.Own Total Rewards reporting and insights, including analysis of trends, costs, and program effectiveness.Drive process improvements and automation across payroll, benefits, and Total Rewards systems.Support the development and delivery of annual Total Rewards statements for employees.Payroll Governance & OversightEnsure data integrity across all employee lifecycle events, including hires, compensation changes, life events, and terminations.Review and approve payroll across all geographies (US, EMEA, and other regions), providing independent audit oversight and backup coverage.Oversee off-cycle payments, adjustments, and corrections to ensure accuracy and compliance.Lead quarterly payroll audits and year-end processes, including W-2 preparation, tax documentation, and regulatory reporting.Partner with Finance to ensure accurate payroll reconciliation, reporting, and financial alignment.Serve as the escalation point for payroll-related inquiries, discrepancies, and compliance matters.Benefits Administration & Vendor ManagementEnsure accurate alignment between payroll and benefits deductions across all payroll cycles.Oversee benefits eligibility, life events, and separation coordination globally.Manage relationships with brokers, vendors, and third-party administrators across payroll and benefits providers.Partner with People Operations and Finance on annual renewals, vendor negotiations, and cost strategy.Lead system audits, data cleanup, and benefits configuration updates within payroll platforms.Ensure compliance with statutory leave programs across jurisdictions.Oversee administration and communication of global retirement and pension programs.Systems, Controls & ComplianceOwn operational management of payroll and benefits systems, including integrations and data flows.Maintain appropriate access controls and conduct regular system audits.Establish and maintain strong internal controls and review processes.Ensure compliance with payroll, tax, and benefits regulations across all jurisdictions.Support global payroll and benefits platforms, including implementations and ongoing governance.CompensationWe are committed to fair and equitable c