Director, Total Rewards

About Certara

Certara accelerates medicines using proprietary biosimulation software, technology and services to transform traditional drug discovery and development. Its clients include more than 2,000 biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and regulatory agencies across 62 countries

The Director, Total Rewards will be primarily responsible working with and under the guidance of VP of Total Rewards & in partnership with CHRO & local HR Business partners/key leaders to ensure oversight and administration of local compensation & benefit program/offerings.
The incumbent will serve as a key player for ensuring the integrity of the entry and maintenance of employee data while adhering to internal controls and identifying potential for process improvement opportunities. This role will be focused (for some efforts) on US activities and support the team globally across company wide processes (i.e. year-end compensation planning cycle)

Compensation Strategy and Administration:

• Develop and implement compensation strategies and programs that align with the organization's objectives and industry standards.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking to ensure competitive compensation practices.
• Oversee job evaluation, salary structure design, and play an active role in the annual compensation planning process (i.e. merit, bonus, etc)
• Assist VP Total Rewards & team in further refining and establishing job architecture and related salary ranges & incentive levels across countries.
• Independently conduct various compensation market analysis (i.e. functional ladder establishment/refinement) to support various initiatives within/across businesses.
• Assist in various incentive plan design efforts; incorporating benchmark/external knowledge of design principles. Will be compiling & synthesizing large amounts of data
• Partner with TR, local country HRBPs and Talent Acquisition team members to make recommendations for new hire offers, etc., that aid in attraction and retention of talent
• Oversee salary surveys, custom compensation studies, and pay structure development.
• May participate in activities related to sales commission plan design.
• Responsible for day to day equity administration & reporting

Benefits design & Program Management

• In conjunction with US broker, shapes the design, implements, and manages comprehensive benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.
• Evaluate and negotiate benefits contracts with insurance carriers and vendors to optimize cost and coverage.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding benefits and compensation.
• In conjunction with benefit broker, monitor and analyze benefits utilization and cost trends to recommend adjustments as needed.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Manage audits and ensure all compensation and benefits practices are in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Responsible for US 401K administration & plan compliance
• Lead and directly manage all wellness initiatives (i.e. fitness challenges, yoga offerings, etc)
• Responsible for Global Benefits-assess various local markets and make recommendations for plan & cost efficiency in/across countries where appropriate. Partner with local leaders/resources "on the ground" to ensure plans are communicated and administered effectively.

Employee Communication and Support:

• Develop and deliver communication strategies to ensure employees understand and value the compensation and benefits programs.
• Develop compensation & benefit related materials (e.g. benefit summaries for new hires, materials used in local Employee Value Proposition, etc.) to support in our Talent Acquisition processes to convey a competitive local offering/s
• Provide guidance and support to HR business partners and managers on compensation-related matters.
• Address employee inquiries and concerns regarding compensation and benefits in a timely and effective manner.
• Develop and implement training programs for HR and management staff on compensation and benefits policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with other HR functions to integrate compensation and benefits strategies with broader HR initiatives
• Ensure strong, effective partnership with our local payroll to effectively administer relevant Total Rewards programs and actions.
• Oversee and ensure clear communications between the Total Rewards team & local stakeholders on all key initiatives and projects.
• Deep knowledge of compensation and benefits practices, market trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing compensation and benefits programs in a complex, multi-site organization.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in HRIS and compensation management systems.
• Full-time position, with standard office hours and occasional additional hours as needed.

Experience & Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• 12+ years Compensation Management experience
• 6 + years benefits design & administration experience
• Bachelor's degree required
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of data & derive insights to inform business decisions
• Experience in equity/stock administration, processes and reporting requirements
• Experience designing, implementing & communicating benefits and compensation with US scope
• Working functional knowledge of local legal environments pertinent to benefit
• Proven ability to structure priorities and deliver within high pressure, business critical environments.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical delivery for employee and stakeholder satisfaction.
• High degree and knowledge reference to their field of expertise
• Ability to manage conflict situations effectively with diplomacy and sensitivity
• Experience with development of benefits tools and systems desirable.
• Excellent listening, organizational (verbal & written) communication skills
• Strong work ethic, commitment to quality, & proven follow-through skills. Multitasking talents and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment under changing priorities and demands; Advanced in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel) and excellent verbal/written communication & presentation skills; Must be fluent English (written and verbal); additional European languages desirable.
• Experience with excel required & other compensation tools preferred (knowledge of Radford preferable)
• Experience collaborating with HR Business Partners
• Experience working in a matrixed environment with demonstrated competency of working within a global structure with local implementation
• Global Mobility experience is a plus
• Sales commission design experience is a plus
• Other duties as assigned/the business evolves

Certara bases all employment-related decision on merit, taking into consideration qualifications, skills, achievement, and performance. We treat all applicants and employees without regard to personal characteristics such as race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, nationality, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental condition, genetic information, military service, or other characteristic protected by law.